Elton John Album: “Rare Masters [Box]”

When I was a lot younger I bought all of Elton John's albums and singles on vinyl. When I upgraded my albums to CD I was disappointed (at first) to find that many of the B-sides that appeared on singles were not issued to CD. Later releases of Elton John's 1970s era albums contain many of these B-sides as bonus tracks. So buyer beware if you have the later EJ reissues.

This set is great because nearly all of the 1970s era B-sides are in one place. These are oddities and rarities, some very beautiful. One of them, "Skyline Pidgeon" is one of my all time EJ favorites. This version is better than the harpsicord based original that appears on 1969's "Empty Sky" album. This version of "Skyline Pidgeon," often called the "piano version" was issued in 1973 as the B-side to the hit single "Daniel". It was probably recorded at the same time as the "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player" album.

Besides the famous "I Saw Her Standing There" live duet with John Lennon (which also appears on the extended edition of "Here And There"), one of the prettiest Elton John tracks on this collection is "One Day At A Time." This beautifully produced piece was issued as the B-side to Elton John's #1 hit single, "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds." Yes, the A-side was penned by Lennon/McCartney. "One Day At the Time" was written and originally recorded by John Lennon and appeared on his "Mind Games" album in late 1973. You know what? I always liked Elton John's version of this song better than Lennon's.

"Step into Christmas" is a great holiday track to which I bought and still own the original 45. The B-side to this record was the hilarious "Ho Ho Ho Who'd Be A Turkey at Christmas". I'm sure this was recorded as a throwaway for the single.. but hey... it is funny and reminds me of "B-B-B-Bennie & the Jets"... Funky little holiday song that goes by each year unnoticed by the masses.

Three Dog Night recorded a version of Elton John's "Lady Samantha". In this case Elton's original is much better than the cover version. Good thing it is included here.

Finally, I never saw the movie "Friends," but am happy the entire soundtrack to "Friends" is included here. The title song was a minor hit single for Elton John and its b-side "Honey Roll" appears for the first and only time on CD.

Be aware that some of these songs also appear on the 1990 boxed set "To Be Continued". Whatever the case may be, most Elton John fans will be happy to own this CD set.

I was delighted to find this 1992-release 2CD set for sale in November 1993 in a music retail store in Melbourne without having being aware previously of its existence. What a great find, I exulted!! I already knew of these songs via a 1981 Elton John discography I had read, but was pessimistic about tracking down the ridiculously overpriced original 7" vinyl singles needed to complete my collection of Elton's early work.

Some great stuff on here that you won't hear on any other Elton album (or anywhere else for tht matter):

1968 I've Been Loving You - his first single. Not real great but, hey, everyone's got to start somewhere!

1969 Lady Samantha - groovy evocative song, the best of his pre-fame singles

1970 B-sides Grey Seal and Bad Side Of The Moon. The latter has a catchy repeated intro line that I still can't figure out what they're singing despite many, many listens; it sounds like "Who's a mile high, who's a mile high ...!!" but I could be wrong there!

1970 Friends - a nice song , sort of romantic and sentimental

1970 Can I Put You On . I like this one - it sounds like it could have been recorded for Tumbleweed Connection . Rocking finale

1971 The extended version of Madman Across The Water is cool

1972 The re-recorded version of Skyline Pigeon, done at the same time as the Don't Shoot Me... sessions. Fantastic song

1973 Let Me Be Your Car. Elton does this as a piano + voice demo and gives it a lot of sparkle

1974 Cold Highway and Sick City . B-sides to Caribou singles would have helped that album if included in place of dud tracks.

1974 Live version of John Lennon /Elton version of I Saw Her Standing There. Indispensible night of magic at Madison Square Garden in Nov. 1974

1975 Sugar On The Floor - Well-sung soulful ballad written by Kiki Dee (Elton's favourite duet partner)

There are enough rarities here to keep all but the most ardent completist fans satisfied forever. Now, all that's missing is the companion set collecting all his 80's and 90's rarites...

By the way, the liner notes include comments on individual songs from Bernie Taupin , but not from Elton himself.

I recently purchased this album (Rare Masters)...I was sure that i'll like most of the songs...His oldies were of great charm by themselves.I was a fan of Sir Elton for 15 years now...more than half of my age!...well,this album was something different...I've been loving you(written also by Elton),Bad side of the moon,...& his magic:"Friends"...I never thought that Elton could excel more above his everlasting "your song" or "Tonight" or...his many other songs...Well,now we see!!..Even his rare mastrers which have never been recorded before are an excellent proof that his is the one & only in the music world....The Master! In this double album,you'll hear many great pieces...each is very enough to show u how he is the master of piano & composing..I remember i felt the same when i was listening to "Lion King" For every Elton's fan,u need to hear this...it will move u further in his kingdom....He will never fade..He is still..The Master!

I wanted the soundtrack to the movie "Friends". The music was done by Elton John and includes some great songs. The original album is hard to find and because it is a bit of a collectors' item can be expensive. Rare Masters provides the entire Friends soundtrack and includes much more of his early music. I am very pleased with my purchase.

This multiple CD compilation shows us a rare side of Elton John, including the B-sides of many singles and a lot of material that was cut from albums made during the height of his popularity in the 1970's. Of special note is the inclusion of the soundtrack for the film "Friends", most notable for the songs "Friends" and "Honey Roll"; both of which should have been released as singles. There's also splendid alternative versions of "Skyline Pigeon" and "Madman Across The Water" and singles like "Step Into Christmas". Certainly an absolute must for Elton John fans, even though some of this material has been included in recently remastered CD versions of his classic 1970's albums.