Monday Side Session: Saying the Words

Yesterday, we saw how Kalmar and Ruby provided Duke Ellington with one of his biggest hits, Three Little Words, in 1930. Two years later, that same songwriting duo provided the musical heartbeat for what is arguably the greatest Marx Brothers movie of them all: Horse Feathers (1932).

Continuing our "Word" theme, today’s side session focuses on the delightful Ev’ryone Says ‘I Love You.’ I've always thought of this as a sort of sequel to Three Little Words, as everyone is now saying said words!

I've written about this song before, but I think it's time to revisit it in this context!

The Marx Brothers Connection

One of the best things about Horse Feathers is that every brother gets a crack at this song. You get the "straight" version from Zeppo, the harp-driven beauty of Harpo, the piano-pounding of Chico, and of course, Groucho delivering it with his trademark guitar-strumming sarcasm while sitting in a canoe.

Here's a link to a montage of all the brothers giving the song a whirl (with Spanish subtitles):

But while the movie is a comedy classic, the song was also a genuine hit for the dance bands of the day.

The Sweet & Bouncy: Anson Weeks (1932)

Let's go "Dancin’ with Anson!" Anson Weeks and his Orchestra give the song a treatment that is incredibly bouncy and fun. Featuring the Moreing Sisters on the vocal, this Brunswick record captures the optimistic, lighthearted spirit that kept people's spirits up during the early '30s.

The Classy Contender: Isham Jones (1932)

For a slightly more sophisticated take, we turn to the legendary Isham Jones. His band was always top-tier and "classy." This Victor record features violinist/vocalist Eddie Stone, and it shows how a great melody can move seamlessly from the zaniness of a Marx Brothers film to the high-end ballroom.

The Warehouse Favorite: Russ Carlson (1932)

Finally, from the depths of the Warehouse collection, we have Russ Carlson and his Orchestra on the budget Crown Records label. There’s something special about these less-discussed recordings. I especially enjoy the vocal here by Elmer Feldkamp - it’s a delightful performance that rounds out our look at how "ev'ryone" was indeed singing this song in 1932.

The Warehouse Find: Raie Da Costa (1933)

Everyone was saying it, but was anyone playing it? Yes, indeed! Popular South African born pianist recorded an extremely snappy instrumental version in 1933 for the British HMV label.

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Five very different versions of the same Kalmar & Ruby tune. Are you a fan of the "bouncy" Anson Weeks style, or do you prefer the Marx Brothers' original mayhem?