At the time Rare Masters was released in 1992, most of the selections on this 37-track double-disc compilation were indeed rare. They were issued on non-LP singles, B-sides, the Friends soundtrack, one-offs; some were buried on album tracks, and some even stayed in the vault. Since then, Elton John's catalog has been remastered and reissued, with much of the best of this material appearing as bonus tracks, but the album still was worthwhile, since it not only has some songs that never appeared elsewhere on disc (such as "Step Into Christmas"' B-side, "(Ho Ho Ho) Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas"), but it also is a hell of a listen in its own right, showcasing great songs and forgotten gems from John's prime period.

First released on 2 double vinyl LP's (Volume 1 in 1974 and Volume 2 in 1977), this 3CD set has been remastered with 15 bonus tracks added. The sound quality ranges from fair to very good, and given the primitive technology available at the time, Festival have done a sterling job of polishing up the tracks for digital reissue.
As the track listing indicates, it's a very extensive overview of the enormous range of Festival's pop-rock output from 1964 to around 1972, covering both the big hits and long-forgotten releases by lesser known Australian acts. This set was compiled by Glenn A. Baker, noted Australian rock historian.

GAZA brings us into a unique place beyond the reach of television news reports to reveal a world rich with eloquent and resilient characters, offering us a cinematic and enriching portrait of a people attempting to lead meaningful lives against the rubble of perennial conflict. Throughout its entire history the Gaza Strip has been witness to conflict and upheaval. From ancient times this tiny coastal territory, located at a crossroads between continents, has been a pawn whose fate rested in the hands of powerful neighbours.