Farewell Moon Martin, The Underappreciated
Farewell Moon Martin The Underappreciated. Yesterday, I learnt “Moon Martin” died in May of this year. His death, like his career, seemed to go almost unnoticed by all but his biggest fans, friends, and relatives. Due to the Pandemic, we’re stressed out already. Which makes the death of Moon Martin all the more poignant. A name I identified with some great music back in the day – but sadly underappreciated and unacknowledged.
Thapson
Moon Martin
Music Video Introduction
I was introduced to Moon Martin on TV through a music video in 1982. “Pop Shop” that aired on Friday evenings was a little bit of fun on the highly conservative SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) TV. The song was “X-Ray Vision” which was also a big MTV hit. While appreciating the video, made at the height of the music video craze, I also became aware of this guy with a combination rocker and Woody Allen-like nerdy look.
“Mystery Ticket”
I was intrigued enough to buy his album, “Mystery Ticket,” on cassette and was blown away with the content. Apart from X-Ray Vision, there were a whole bunch of cool songs and I wondered why more people didn’t know about him? I think his collaboration with Robert Palmer on this album earned him the wider appeal he deserved. A rocker himself, Robert Palmer lent a “new wave” style to Moon Martin’s rockabilly sound. Listening to songs on the Mystery Ticket album, and his other work, you knew Moon Martin’s roots lay in pure rock.
” … thanks to the internet with its YouTube, etc. we can still cherish this fantastic artist.”
Appreciating His Work
Unfortunately, I misplaced my beloved Mystery Ticket album somewhere while moving. I still can’t forgive myself for that. But thanks to the internet with its YouTube, etc. we can still cherish this fantastic artist. And I want to do just that here by playing most of my favorite songs from the Mystery Ticket album. I’m picking my favorites while some are unavailable. So here we go.
X-Ray Vision
The song that kicked off my appreciation for this man. This is one of the numbers that were produced by Robert Palmer and has that unmistakable early 80s new wave music feel to it. It is likely the song most people know Moon Martin by, due to the video’s popularity. Unfortunately, not a good copy – but it’s the only one available to share. Sure it’s kind of cheesy in that 80s style, but the music is top notch. This may be the only music video I’ve seen Moon Martin in.
PromoMedia / YouTube.com
Paid the Price
A song with Moon Martin’s synonymous brooding style. Wonderful vocals and all-round production.
chrysler30062 / YouTube.com
Firing Line
I loved this song back in the day. However, with the changing culture regarding guns and shootings, it seems to be almost “politically incorrect” to appreciate these days. But you can’t take away the fact it’s brilliantly produced with the floating guitar riff accompanied by the pulsating bass and percussion beat.
Pure Rock / YouTube.com
Aces with You
Another of those haunting, brooding songs that seemed to fit Moon Martin’s style. Very much in keeping with the 80s music environment. Another great song from the same album.
MarSe Chin / Youtube.com
She’s in Love with My Car
Check out how the rockabilly style is cleverly mixed with new wave synthesizers/horns. This is one of those songs that seem to put him among the likes of Elvis Costello and others of that era.
cesar ramones / YouTube.com
Bad News (1981)
This one predates the Mystery Ticket album. Cool guitar, synthesizer, bassline, and his haunting vocals. Another song that’s underrated, just like Moon Martin.
raftre69 / YouTube.com
I’m going to stop here, before I’m tempted to put in a whole host of songs, some of which were also covered by other artists including “Rolene,” “Bootleg Woman,” “Cadillac Walk”, “Bad Case of Loving You,” etc.
Quick Synopsis of His Career
Born in Oklahoma as John David Martin, it is in California of the late 60s-70s where he nurtured his musical talent further. This included doing session work and/or collaborating with other big names. After transitioning through various bands, he launched his solo career. His biggest successes came in the late 70s thorough the early 80s. During this time, he changed his name to “Moon” Martin as his friends noticed he used that word in many of his songs. After that he disappeared. He then reappeared in the mid 90s and was planning to release some interesting new stuff.
Some Final Observations
As a steadfast fan of some of his music I’m still surprised at how few people have heard of him. I think he never got the acclaim and recognition he deserved. But he’s left us a wonderful portfolio of music which are classic gems. I’m sure, even after his passing away, he’ll continue winning new fans among people who come across his work. And these people will likely say, “why haven’t I heard of this cool artist before?” Maybe it was all in the marketing, the timing, or his own conscious choice/unassuming personality.
Just as he had lived, just beneath the radar, he also passed away quietly without my even hearing of it. Which is strange, because I’m quite a news junkie. We lost a great talent in Moon Martin. As I say, with the changing musical trends, we may not see another like him for the near future at least. Thank you for your music, John David “Moon” Martin.
I’ll be back with more music stuff next time. Stay tuned and feel free to comment and share anything related to this story.
Last Three Posts from “The Music Vault”
Two Great Pop Stars Who Seemed to “Fade Away”
Middle Of The Road: Great in the 70’s, and Today
From Jazzy Highbrow to Funky Pop Sound: Level 42
