Album Review: La Mer La Mar by Santo & Johnny
Santo & Johnny’s La Mer La Mar is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 1966 under Canadian American Records, Ltd., and Hispavox, this Spanish gem blends pop, jazz, and easy listening into a vibe that feels like sipping coffee at sunset—smooth but with just enough edge to keep you hooked. It doesn’t scream for attention; instead, it lingers quietly in your mind long after the needle lifts.
The tracklist isn’t huge, but it packs personality. Let’s talk about “Mack The Knife.” Yeah, we’ve all heard versions of this classic before, but Santo & Johnny bring something fresh to the table—a mix of breezy guitar work and understated vocals that make it feel less showy and more intimate. You can almost picture yourself strolling through Madrid in the ‘60s, cigarette smoke curling around streetlights. Their take strips away the bombast and replaces it with charm. It’s not flashy, but damn, does it stick.
Then there’s “La Mar = La Mer,” which flips between Spanish and French lyrics so effortlessly it feels like a lazy afternoon by the sea. The melody sways back and forth like waves lapping at the shore, while the instrumentation stays soft yet deliberate. There’s no rush here—it’s as if the song knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn’t apologize for it. If you’re looking for high-energy beats or experimental chaos, this ain’t it. But if you want music that soothes without being boring, this track nails it.
“Marea Baja = Ebb Tide” also deserves a nod. Its slow build reminds me of watching the tide roll out—calm, predictable, but mesmerizing nonetheless. The harmonies are simple but effective, leaving space for each note to breathe. Sometimes less really is more, ya know?
What strikes me most about La Mer La Mar is how unpretentious it feels. This isn’t an album trying to reinvent the wheel or chase trends. Instead, it’s content to exist in its own little world, offering listeners a moment of peace amidst life’s noise. And honestly, isn’t that what great music should do?
Funny thing though—at the end of the day, I kept thinking about how these songs would sound blasting from some old transistor radio on a beach somewhere. Maybe that says more about me than the album itself, but hey, art’s supposed to spark imagination, right? So maybe give this one a spin next time you need a break from whatever’s weighing you down.
