by James Christopher Monger
Elizabeth Mitchells third collection of childrens music follows in the footsteps of fellow tyke crooner Dan Zanes by employing numerous styles, including folk, country, and world music, to convey a world that is as boundless and creative as childhood is. Sunny Days 19 tracks feature Mitchell along with husband Daniel Littleton, daughter Storey, and an eclectic group of friends which includes the aforementioned Zanes, legendary Band drummer Levon Helm, Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers), and Warren DeFever (His Name Is Alive). Its a quaint, earthy affair that hardly feels like a cookie cutter, keyboard-and-funny-voice-driven childrens record, relying instead on Appalachian and international folk songs and lullabies with an emphasis on acoustic arrangements. In short, its a sweet and serene collection of songs for kids that adults wont tire of, let alone play begrudgingly.