Elton John Rare Masters Genres:Folk, Pop, Rock, Classic Rock During Elton John's most commercially successful period, between 1970 and 1975, he was also at his most prolific. Usually producing two albums a year, he also knocked off a dozen or so non-LP B-sides, a handful of demos fo... more »r other artists, and even a soundtrack album for 1971's obscure Friends. Rare Masters, which brings much of this work together with a handful of other odds and ends (an alternate version of "Madman Across the Water," John's debut single, "I've Been Loving You"), is hardly a substitute for Greatest Hits, but its generally high quality is impressive. --Rickey Wright« less
During Elton John's most commercially successful period, between 1970 and 1975, he was also at his most prolific. Usually producing two albums a year, he also knocked off a dozen or so non-LP B-sides, a handful of demos for other artists, and even a soundtrack album for 1971's obscure Friends. Rare Masters, which brings much of this work together with a handful of other odds and ends (an alternate version of "Madman Across the Water," John's debut single, "I've Been Loving You"), is hardly a substitute for Greatest Hits, but its generally high quality is impressive. --Rickey Wright
"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."
Great Elton John
William Lynch | warren ,nj,usa | 05/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Elton John complilation is a must have....some of his best efforts from before the 'stage' struck them...."
LOVE "Elton John: Rare Masters!"
Margaret T. Schlaudecker | Louisiana | 05/22/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This two CD set is awesome! Some of these songs were "B" sides to singles that I listened to growing up--I thought I would never get to hear them again. I loved the "Friends" soundtrack, but only had that on vinyl, too. And then getting to hear the early U.K. singles and different versions of some favorite songs has been SO enjoyable. It's a must-have for any true Elton John fan...as I have been for more than 30 years."
Truly Rare Tracks, Good Recording
James P. Alio | 09/27/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 2 cd collection contains many unreleased songs; many of which you probably heard on tv, or radio. The first thing I noticed was that it contains the soundtrack from the movie Friends. It also contains Skyline Pigeon. It also has a few versions of songs that were available on other albums, but these are rough initial demos. This includes Grey Seal and Madman Across the Water. You can see how the songs progress from these basic arrangements. Any fan of Elton will enjoy this cd. It has a bunch of mournful ballads, with a few slow rocks songs. It also has a couple of tracks with John Lennon. This is a must-have for the Elton John fan. This album seems to capture some of the best John/Taupin collaboration."