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Moon Martin
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Key Information
John David "Moon" Martin (October 31, 1945 – May 11, 2020)[1] was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Early years
[edit]Born in Altus, Oklahoma, United States, he was originally a rockabilly artist as a member of the Oklahoma-based band The Disciples, who moved to Los Angeles and adopted the name Southwind in 1967. At this time, their style shifted towards country rock.[2] Southwind released three studio albums before disbanding in 1971. [3] They enjoyed moderate success, with two of their singles charting nationally: "Ready to Ride" (No. 127 in 1969) and "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" (No. 105 in 1970).[4]
Peak of success
[edit]Martin gained recognition in the 1970s as a pop artist and composer. He wrote the songs "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)", made famous by the English singer Robert Palmer, and "Cadillac Walk", made famous by the American singer Willy DeVille.[5]
Martin scored five minor hits of his own with "Rolene" (No. 30 US, No. 77 Australia,[6] No. 30 Canada[7]), "No Chance" (No. 50 US), both in 1979, "Signal for Help" (No. 60 Australia) in 1981, "X-Ray Vision", (No. 99) and "Aces With You" (No. 95) both in Australia in 1982. His 1982 song, "X-Ray Vision" was an MTV hit music video.[6] He allegedly was given the nickname "Moon" because many of his songs had the word "moon" in the lyrics.[5]
On October 31, 2022, Midnight Moon,[8] a posthumous album, was released, only available on several music streaming services.
Death
[edit]Martin died on May 11, 2020, of natural causes in Encino, California, at the age of 74.[1][9][10]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US[11] | CAN | AUS[6] | ||||
| Shots from a Cold Nightmare |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Escape from Domination |
|
80 | 67[12] | — | ||
| Street Fever |
|
138 | — | 63 | ||
| Mystery Ticket |
|
205[4] | — | — | ||
| Mixed Emotions |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Dreams on File |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Cement Monkey |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Lunar Samples |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Louisiana Juke-Box |
|
— | — | — | ||
| Midnight Moon (posthumous) |
|
— | — | — | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart. | ||||||
Live album
[edit]- Bad News Live (1993, Fnac France)
Compilation albums
[edit]- The Very Best Of (1999, EMI Sweden, 1978-1982)
- Shots from a Cold Nightmare + Escape from Domination (1995, EMI Special Markets, Demon Records)
- Street Fever + Mystery Ticket (1995, EMI Special Markets, Edsel Records)
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [13] |
US AC [13] |
US Dance [13] |
AUS | |||
| 1978 | "Victim of Romance" | — | — | — | — | Shots from a Cold Nightmare |
| "Bad Case of Lovin' You" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Hot Nite in Dallas" | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1979 | "Rolene" | 30 | — | — | 77 | Escape from Domination |
| "No Chance" | 50 | 36 | — | — | ||
| "Dreamer" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "I've Got a Reason" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Bootleg Woman" | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1980 | "Bad News" | — | — | — | — | Street Fever |
| "Signal for Help" | — | — | — | 60 | ||
| "Pushed Around" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Love Gone Bad" | 105[4] | — | — | — | ||
| "Five Days of Fever" | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1982 | "X-Ray Vision" | — | — | 67 | 99 | Mystery Ticket |
| "Firing Line" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Aces with You" | — | — | — | 95 | ||
| 1985 | "Love Sniper" | — | — | — | — | Mixed Emotions |
| 1992 | "Rock N' Roll Radio" | — | — | — | — | Dreams On File |
| 1993 | "Never Could Say Goodbye" | — | — | — | — | Cement Monkey |
| 1995 | "Enemy" | — | — | — | — | Lunar Samples |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | ||||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b "John "Moon" Martin 1945 - 2020". Los Angeles Times. May 24, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
- ^ "Moon Martin Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More..." AllMusic. Retrieved Oct 31, 2024.
- ^ "Southwind". Discogs.com. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
- ^ a b c Whitburn, Joel (1998). Bubbling Under - Singles and Albums - 1998 Edition. Record Research Inc. ISBN 9780898201284.
- ^ a b Prato, Greg "Moon Martin Biography", AllMusic. Retrieved November 23, 2013
- ^ a b c Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 193. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - October 27, 1979" (PDF).
- ^ "Latest News Moon Martin's long-awaited album 'Midnight Moon' is coming out on his birthday, October 31st". Businessfortnight.com. 2022-10-25. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
- ^ "Moon Martin Dies: Musician Wrote 'Bad Case of Loving You'". Bestclassicbands.com. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
- ^ "Bad News, le chanteur Moon Martin est mort". Lefigaro.fr. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2018). Top Pop Albums 1955-2016. Prometheus Global Media. ISBN 978-0-89820-226-7.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Albums - November 3, 1979" (PDF). Collectionscanada.gc.ca.
- ^ a b c "Moon Martin - Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 4, 2015.
External links
[edit]- Moon Martin at VH1
- Moon Martin discography at Discogs
- Moon Martin at IMDb
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Moon Martin
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood in Oklahoma
John David Martin, known professionally as Moon Martin, was born on October 31, 1945, in Altus, Oklahoma, a small town in the southwestern part of the state.[1] He grew up in a close-knit family, including his brother Howard Martin and sister Mary Sue Martin, in the modest surroundings of Altus, a community influenced by its proximity to an Air Force base and the broader rural Oklahoma landscape.[1] This small-town environment, with its emphasis on local traditions and limited urban distractions, provided a foundational setting that later informed Martin's affinity for rockabilly music, a genre rooted in the region's country and rhythm-and-blues traditions.[4] Martin's early years were marked by the everyday rhythms of family life in Altus, where the town's population was approximately 10,000 during his childhood, growing to over 20,000 by the 1960s, fostering a sense of community amid agricultural and military influences. The local culture, blending Southern hospitality with the sounds of regional radio stations playing early rock and roll, subtly shaped his developing interests without formal structure.[4] His initial exposure to music came during his teenage years through family encouragement and community resources, culminating in guitar lessons from local musician Lou Vargas, a figure significant enough for Martin to dedicate his debut album to him years later.[4] These lessons in Altus sparked Martin's hands-on engagement with the instrument, laying the groundwork for his lifelong pursuit of music amid the unpretentious backdrop of Oklahoma's heartland.[1]Initial musical pursuits
John David Martin, born in Altus, Oklahoma, in 1945, began his musical journey in the 1960s by developing a strong interest in rockabilly, a genre that shaped his early artistic identity and reflected the regional sounds popular in the American Southwest during that era.[5] This fascination with rockabilly's energetic blend of country, blues, and rhythm and blues influenced his initial forays into performance, as he started participating in local Oklahoma music scenes while still in his late teens and early twenties.[4] Martin's formative experiences included playing guitar and singing at amateur gigs around Oklahoma, often in informal settings that allowed him to experiment with his emerging style before pursuing more structured opportunities. These local performances provided a platform for him to connect with fellow musicians and audiences, building the foundational skills that would later define his career.[4] Attending the University of Oklahoma during this period further immersed him in a vibrant college-town environment conducive to musical exploration.[1] Central to his early pursuits was Martin's habit of songwriting, where he frequently wove the word "moon" into his lyrics—a quirk that earned him the enduring nickname "Moon" among friends and peers. This penchant for lunar-themed compositions highlighted his poetic and introspective approach to crafting songs from a young age, setting the tone for his distinctive lyrical voice.[6][7]Musical career
Band years with The Disciples and Southwind
John David Martin, later known as Moon Martin, formed the rockabilly band The Disciples in the mid-1960s while attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman, alongside drummer Eric Dalton, bassist Jim Pulte, and organist Phil Hope.[5] The group drew from the energetic, twangy sounds of 1950s rockabilly, performing locally in Oklahoma and building a regional following through covers and original material rooted in that genre.[8] In 1967, at the suggestion of guitarist Fontaine Brown, who occasionally joined them, The Disciples relocated to Los Angeles seeking broader opportunities in the burgeoning music scene. Upon arrival, the band rebranded as Southwind and pivoted their style toward country rock, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, British Invasion pop, and traditional country influences to align with West Coast trends.[8] This shift allowed them to blend Martin's gritty guitar work and vocals with Pulte's bass lines and Hope's organ textures, creating a sound that evoked the era's fusion of rural Americana and electric experimentation.[9] Southwind signed with Blue Thumb Records and released three albums between 1969 and 1971, marking their most active recording period. Their debut, the self-titled Southwind (1969), showcased raw country rock energy, followed by Ready to Ride (1970), which included live tracks from the Fillmore West and the single "Ready to Ride," peaking at No. 127 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 in December 1969.[10] The third album, What a Strange Place to Land (1971), leaned more into blues-inflected country rock. Another single, "Boogie Woogie Country Girl," from the Ready to Ride era, reached No. 105 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 in May 1970, highlighting the band's playful nod to rockabilly roots amid modest commercial traction.[11] These releases, though critically noted for their genre-blending innovation, achieved only limited chart success and airplay.[12] The band disbanded in 1971 shortly after the release of What a Strange Place to Land, as members pursued individual paths amid the evolving rock landscape.[8] Martin, adopting the moniker "Moon," transitioned to session work, while Pulte ventured into solo recordings.[5]Transition to solo artistry
Following the dissolution of his band Southwind in the early 1970s, Moon Martin signed a solo recording contract with Capitol Records in 1978.[4] This deal marked his shift from group dynamics to independent artistry, allowing him to pursue a more personalized pop-oriented direction after years of modest success with earlier ensembles.[5] Martin's debut solo album, Shots from a Cold Nightmare, arrived in July 1978 on Capitol, solidifying his emergence in the power pop genre through its blend of rocksteady grooves, brash attitude, and concise, hook-driven arrangements.[13][14] The record, recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, featured production by Craig Leon and emphasized Martin's guitar work alongside a lean rhythm section, capturing the late-1970s Los Angeles new wave and power pop scene.[15][5] Early singles from the album, including "Hot Nite in Dallas" (released November 1978) and "Victim of Romance" (issued as a 12-inch maxi-single in 1978), introduced Martin's emerging solo voice with limited initial chart impact but strong critical notice for their energetic rockabilly-infused pop.[16][17] These tracks highlighted the development of his signature witty, narrative-driven lyrics, evident in storytelling vignettes like the romantic intrigue of "Victim of Romance" and the nocturnal escapades in "Hot Nite in Dallas," which wove clever wordplay into vivid, character-focused scenarios.[5][13]Peak commercial success
Moon Martin's peak commercial success occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s, marked by his breakthrough album Escape from Domination, released in 1979 on Capitol Records, which peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 chart.[18] The album featured two notable singles: "Rolene," which reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1979, and "No Chance," which climbed to No. 50 on the same chart in December 1979.[19][20] These tracks, characterized by Martin's sharp, hook-driven power pop style, garnered significant radio airplay and helped establish him as a rising figure in the burgeoning new wave scene. Following this momentum, Martin released Street Fever in 1980, also on Capitol, which achieved a peak position of No. 138 on the Billboard 200.[21] While not matching the chart success of its predecessor, the album reinforced Martin's reputation for energetic rock compositions and contributed to his growing fanbase in the power pop genre. In 1982, the single "X-Ray Vision" from his Mystery Ticket album became an early MTV staple, with its innovative music video featuring surreal imagery that aired frequently on the nascent network, further elevating Martin's visibility amid the video-driven music landscape.[22] Martin's touring schedule during this period intensified his exposure, with extensive U.S. and international performances from 1979 to 1982 that aligned him closely with the new wave and power pop circuits.[23] Notable shows included opening slots for acts like Joe Jackson and Rockpile, as well as headlining appearances at venues such as the Paradise Rock Club in Boston (1979) and a full set at Germany's Rockpalast festival in Hamburg (1981), where he performed tracks like "Signal for Help" to enthusiastic crowds.[23] These live outings, often showcasing his raw guitar work and charismatic stage presence, solidified his cult following and bridged his songwriting prowess with broader audience appeal in the era's vibrant rock scenes.Later recordings and performances
Following the release of his final Capitol album, Mixed Emotions in 1985—which was not distributed in the United States—Moon Martin's commercial momentum waned, leading to a shift toward smaller, independent labels and more limited releases. His subsequent studio work included Dreams on File (1992), a full-length album issued exclusively in France by Fnac Music, featuring re-recorded versions of earlier tracks alongside new material like "Under Investigation" and covers such as Bob Dylan's "Stuck Inside of Mobile (With the Memphis Blues Again)." This was followed by the mini-album Cement Monkey (1993) on the CORE label, which comprised five selections from Dreams on File plus the new song "Dangerous," emphasizing his rockabilly-infused power pop style. By the mid-1990s, Martin released Lunar Samples (1995, also on CORE), a collection blending originals like "I've Got a Reason" with staples such as "Bad Case of Loving You," reflecting a more retrospective approach amid declining mainstream visibility.[24][25][26][27] In 1999, Martin issued Louisiana Juke-Box on Eagle Records, his last studio album during his lifetime, incorporating bluesy elements into tracks like "Don't Blame the Rain" and "Good Mornin' Policeman," which evoked his Oklahoma roots while maintaining a power pop edge. These later recordings achieved minimal chart presence and were primarily available through specialty outlets in Europe and the U.S., signaling a transition to niche markets. Despite the reduced output—spanning only four projects over 14 years—Martin's work sustained a dedicated cult following among power pop enthusiasts, who appreciated his witty lyrics and guitar-driven hooks in an era dominated by grunge and alternative rock. A posthumous album, Midnight Moon (2022), was released, featuring tracks recorded over the previous two decades.[28][4][29] Martin's live performances became increasingly sporadic in the later decades, with no major tours after the early 1980s. The 1993 live album Bad News Live, released by Fnac France, captured a 1981 performance from Germany's Rockpalast festival, including energetic renditions of "Rock Bottom," "Victim of Romance," and "Bad News," preserving his stage charisma for later audiences. Occasional appearances persisted, such as a 1999 set at the Free Wheels Festival in France, where he performed fan favorites like "Cadillac Walk" and "Bad Case of Loving You," underscoring his enduring appeal in underground rock circuits until his health declined in the 2000s.[30][3][31]Songwriting and legacy
Key compositions and covers
Moon Martin's songwriting prowess is best exemplified by his knack for crafting catchy rock tunes infused with themes of romance and wry humor, often delivered through clever, narrative-driven lyrics that blend vulnerability with playful wit. His compositions frequently explore the ups and downs of love, as in the infectious chorus of his signature track, where medical metaphors underscore romantic affliction.[6] One of Martin's most enduring works is "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)", which he wrote and first recorded in 1978 for his debut album Shots from a Cold Nightmare. The song's rockabilly-inflected energy and humorous take on lovesickness propelled it to greater fame when Robert Palmer covered it as the lead single from his 1979 album Secrets, reaching No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread radio play.[2] Palmer's version, with its polished production, introduced Martin's witty wordplay to a broader audience, cementing the song's status as a classic of late-1970s rock.[6] Another key composition, "Cadillac Walk", written by Martin in the mid-1970s and first recorded by Mink DeVille, led by Willy DeVille, as the opening track on their 1977 debut album Cabretta. The track's gritty, R&B-tinged vibe highlighted Martin's ability to pen songs that resonated with the new wave and punk scenes, influencing covers by artists like Boz Scaggs on his 2013 album Memphis.[5] Martin's catalog extends to other notable originals like "Stop Your Sobbing", covered by the Pretenders as their debut single in 1979 and reaching No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart, "Dreamer", which he released in 1979 and later covered by The Association in 1981, peaking at No. 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and "Victim of Romance" from 1978, evoking humorous heartbreak through its self-deprecating narrative. These songs, alongside recurring motifs of amorous mishaps and lighthearted irony, underscore Martin's role as a behind-the-scenes architect of power pop anthems.[32]Influence on other artists
Moon Martin's songwriting profoundly shaped the power pop and new wave landscapes of the late 1970s and early 1980s, with his compositions providing a blueprint for blending rockabilly energy with concise pop narratives that emphasized sharp hooks and narrative-driven lyrics. His track "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)" became a defining hit when covered by Robert Palmer, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 and exemplifying Martin's knack for infectious, radio-friendly rock that influenced subsequent power pop acts through its witty, urgent delivery.[2] Similarly, "Cadillac Walk," written by Martin and first recorded by Mink DeVille in 1977 on their debut album Cabretta—produced by Jack Nitzsche—highlighted Martin's ability to infuse rockabilly swagger into new wave's edgy aesthetic, inspiring contemporaries in the genre's burgeoning scene.[5] Martin's own recordings, such as the Top 30 hit "Rolene" from 1979's Escape from Domination, further cemented his role in power pop, where his guitar-driven sound and thematic focus on romance and rebellion resonated with artists navigating the punk-adjacent wave of the era, though he remained more an influencer than a chart-topper himself. Other covers, including Michelle Phillips' rendition of "Victim of Romance" on her 1977 solo album and the Pretenders' "Stop Your Sobbing," underscored his versatility in crafting songs that bridged folk-rock introspection with pop accessibility, quietly shaping the songwriting approaches of emerging new wave performers.[2] His underappreciated status during his lifetime amplified his cult appeal, as peers in Oklahoma's music circles—like Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour—acknowledged his contributions to the region's power pop revival.[4] Following Martin's death on May 11, 2020, obituaries and tributes emphasized his enduring, if overlooked, impact, portraying him as a "vastly unsung" architect of new wave whose rockabilly-rooted pop innovations deserved greater recognition. Publications like Rock and Roll Globe lauded him as a cornerstone of the punk/power pop movement, with fans and collaborators noting how his brash attitude and groove-oriented style continued to inspire revivals in those genres.[5] Echoing this, Best Classic Bands highlighted posthumous appreciation for his "tension-filled" songcraft, which influenced a generation of songwriters blending narrative depth with commercial polish, solidifying his legacy as an under-the-radar force in American rock.[2]Personal life and death
Private life and pseudonym origin
John David Martin, known professionally as Moon Martin, maintained a notably private personal life, with limited public information available about his relationships and family. He was survived by his brother Howard Martin, sister Mary Sue Martin, and two nieces, but no records of marriages or children have been publicly documented.[1] Following the peak of his musical career in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Martin adopted a reclusive lifestyle, largely avoiding media attention and public appearances. In his later years, he resided in Encino, California, where he focused on personal pursuits away from the spotlight.[2][1] The origin of Martin's stage name traces back to his songwriting habits. Born John David Martin on October 31, 1945, in Altus, Oklahoma, he earned the nickname "Moon" from friends due to his frequent incorporation of the word "moon" into his lyrics, a motif that became a signature element of his work. He adopted the pseudonym professionally in the 1970s as he transitioned to a solo career, using it for all subsequent releases and performances.[2][33][1]Death and posthumous recognition
Moon Martin died on May 11, 2020, in Encino, California, at the age of 74 from natural causes.[1][2] Following his death, obituaries highlighted Martin's enduring legacy as a songwriter, particularly for compositions like "Bad Case of Loving You," which became a hit for Robert Palmer. The Los Angeles Times described him as "a singer and songwriter of immense skill," underscoring his contributions to rock and power pop despite his relatively low public profile.[1][2] In 2022, Martin's estate released the posthumous album Midnight Moon on October 31, coinciding with what would have been his 77th birthday; the collection of nine tracks, including "River of No Return" and "Red Devil Woman," was made available exclusively on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.[34][35]Discography
Studio albums
Moon Martin's studio albums span a period from his major-label debut in the late 1970s through independent releases in the 1990s and a posthumous release in 2022, showcasing his evolution from power pop and rock to more eclectic styles. His early work with Capitol Records emphasized catchy hooks and rockabilly influences, while later efforts reflected a shift toward smaller labels and personal production.| Album Title | Release Year | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shots from a Cold Nightmare | 1978 | Capitol Records | Debut album produced by Craig Leon, featuring session musicians including bassist Gary Valentine (formerly of Blondie) and drummer Phil Seymour; includes the original recording of "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)."[36][13] |
| Escape from Domination | 1979 | Capitol Records | Second album, peaking at No. 80 on the Billboard 200; produced by Bob Andrews and Brinsley Schwarz, with contributions from keyboardist Benmont Tench (later of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers). |
| Street Fever | 1980 | Capitol Records | Third release, reaching No. 138 on the Billboard 200; self-produced by Martin, incorporating urban rock elements and featuring guitarist Danny Gatton on select tracks. |
| Mystery Ticket | 1982 | Capitol Records | Fourth album, produced by Martin with engineering by Thom Panunzio; noted for its blend of rock and new wave, peaking outside the top 200 on Billboard charts.[37] |
| Mixed Emotions | 1985 | Capitol Records | Fifth and final major-label effort, embracing synthpop influences; produced by Martin and recorded in Los Angeles, with limited commercial release primarily in Europe.[38] |
| Dreams on File | 1992 | Fnac Music | Independent comeback album, self-produced and featuring introspective rock tracks; released in France with 12 original songs.[39] |
| Cement Monkey | 1993 | CORE Entertainment Corporation | Mini-album of five tracks, produced by Martin and Steve Appel; focused on raw rockabilly roots, limited distribution.[25] |
| Lunar Samples | 1995 | CORE Entertainment Corporation | Full-length release with 11 songs, self-produced emphasizing Martin's songwriting; highlighted acoustic and blues-infused material, including re-recordings.[26] |
| Louisiana Juke-Box | 1999 | Eagle Records | Final studio album during lifetime, produced by Martin with a roots-rock vibe; included enhanced CD features and drew from his Oklahoma heritage.[40] |
| Midnight Moon | 2022 | Joanne Gough | Posthumous release on what would have been Martin's 77th birthday; 10 tracks of previously unreleased material.[41] |
Live and compilation albums
Moon Martin's live recordings primarily consist of captures from his performances during the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing his raw rock energy and songwriting prowess in concert settings. His sole official live album, Bad News Live, was released in 1993 by Fnac Music as a CD capturing shows from late April 1993 at Le Plan in Ris-Orangis, France.[42] The album features 11 tracks, blending originals with covers, and runs approximately 52 minutes, emphasizing Martin's guitar-driven style and audience interaction during a period of renewed European touring. The tracklist includes:- "Rock Bottom" (5:26)
- "Hot Nite in Dallas" (3:42)
- "Rock 'N' Roll Radio" (4:39)
- "Stuck Inside of Mobile (With the Memphis Blues Again)" / "Victim of Romance" (4:28) [Bob Dylan cover medley]
- "Bad News" (4:57)
- "Rollin' in My Rolls" (3:57)
- "Rolene" (4:16)
- "She's in Love with My Car" (4:28)
- "Cadillac Walk" (5:18)
- "Bad Case of Lovin' You" (5:58)
- "Bootleg Woman" / "Firing Line" (5:00) [Fontaine Brown cover medley]
- "Hot Nite in Dallas" (3:15)
- "Victim of Romance" (3:36)
- "Cadillac Walk" (3:14)
- "Bad Case of Lovin' You" (3:51)
- "Nite Thoughts" (3:41)
- "I've Got a Reason" (3:00)
- "She Made a Fool of You" (3:36)
- "Dreamer" (3:00)
- "Hot House Baby" (3:16)
- "Rolene" (3:21)
- "No Chance" (2:39)
- "Five Days of Fever" (3:04)
- "Signal for Help" (3:24)
- "Pushed Around" (3:11)
- "Love Gone Bad" (3:14)
- "Breakout Tonight" (2:46)
- "Bad News" (3:53)
- "Whispers" (3:27)
- "Cross Your Fingers" (2:58)
- "Paid the Price" (2:58)
- "Don’t You Double (Cross Me Baby)" (3:33)
- "Aces with You" (3:50)
Singles
Moon Martin's singles career began in 1978 with releases tied to his debut album Shots from a Cold Nightmare, primarily on Capitol Records in 7-inch vinyl format, and continued through the early 1990s on various labels. These standalone promotional releases often featured album tracks as A-sides with non-album or alternate B-sides, emphasizing his rock and new wave style. While most did not achieve major commercial success, several charted modestly on the US Billboard Hot 100, with international versions appearing in Europe and the UK mirroring US configurations but sometimes with localized artwork or timing.[45][46] Key releases include "Rolene," which peaked at No. 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, backed by "Dangerous" and serving as the lead single from Escape from Domination.[47] "No Chance," also from the same album, reached No. 50 on the Hot 100 and No. 36 on the Adult Contemporary chart later that year, with "Gun Shy" as its B-side.[47] "X-Ray Vision" (1982), from Mystery Ticket, charted at No. 67 on the Dance Club Songs chart and was promoted with an MTV video, paired with "Deeper (Into Love)."[47] The following table enumerates his primary singles from 1978 to the 1990s, focusing on US releases with noted international variations where applicable; all were 7-inch vinyl unless otherwise specified, and most were album tracks rather than non-album exclusives.[45][46]| Title | Year | A-Side / B-Side | Label (US) / Cat. No. | Chart Peak (US) | Notes / International Variations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Nite in Dallas | 1978 | Hot Nite in Dallas / Paid Killer | Capitol / 4639 | - | Debut single; promo version with mono/stereo mix. Released in Europe (Germany, Nov 1978).[45][46] |
| Bad Case of Lovin' You | 1979 | Bad Case of Lovin' You / Cadillac Walk | Capitol / 4592 | - | Early single from debut album; UK release with picture sleeve. European issue Jan 1979.[46] |
| Rolene | 1979 | Rolene / Dangerous | Capitol / 4765 | #30 Hot 100 | Breakthrough hit; promo available. UK and European releases Aug 1979.[47][45] |
| No Chance | 1979 | No Chance / Gun Shy | Capitol / 4794 | #50 Hot 100, #36 AC | Follow-up single; strong radio play. Issued in UK Oct 1979.[47][45] |
| Dreamer | 1979 | Dreamer / (various) | Capitol / - | - | Cover of his own composition; European promo single.[46] |
| Signal for Help | 1980 | Signal for Help / Bad News | Capitol / 4947 | - | From Street Fever; UK release with extended mix option.[45][46] |
| Pushed Around | 1980 | Pushed Around / (various) | Capitol / - | - | Lesser-known promo; European single.[46] |
| Love Gone Bad | 1981 | Love Gone Bad / Stranded | Capitol / 4963 | #105 Hot 100 | Bubbling under chart entry; UK issue Jan 1981.[47][45] |
| Bad News | 1981 | Bad News / (special version) | Capitol / - | - | B-side promotion; 12-inch version in Europe.[48][46] |
| X-Ray Vision | 1982 | X-Ray Vision / Deeper (Into Love) | Capitol / B-5102 | #67 Dance | MTV-driven promo; European and UK releases Apr 1982.[47][45] |
| Firing Line | 1982 | Firing Line / (various) | Capitol / - | - | From Mystery Ticket; limited European pressing.[46] |
| Victim of Romance | 1982 | Victim of Romance / (various) | Capitol / - | - | Album track single; UK promo.[46] |
| Love Sniper | 1985 | Love Sniper / (various) | Capitol / - | - | From Mixed Emotions; final Capitol single, European release.[46] |
| Rock N' Roll Radio | 1992 | Rock N' Roll Radio / (various) | Fnac / - | - | Later independent release; limited European distribution.[46] |
| Other releases (1978-1990s) | Various | Includes promos like "I've Got a Reason" (1979), "Bootleg Woman" (1979), "Five Days of Fever" (1980) | Capitol / Various | - | Approximately 15 additional promo or regional singles, mostly non-charting and album-derived; UK/Europe variants often on EMI sub-labels.[45][46] |