Is the Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009- an essential piece of the Michael Jackson canon? No—if you are looking for the Thriller album. Yes—if you are a DJ, a crate digger, or a fan tired of hearing the same radio edits.
It is a flawed time capsule. It was rushed to market to comfort grieving fans. The track listing feels like a mixtape made by a superfan rather than a curated museum exhibit. But that rawness is precisely its charm. It captures Michael Jackson not as the untouchable Gloved One, but as a studio rat experimenting with basslines, B-sides, and 4 AM club grooves.
For the collector, this 2CD set is a worthy addition to the shelf—a loud, proud, and slightly messy celebration of the King of Pop’s extended universe.
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Michael Jackson’s Remixes and Rarities (2009) is a notable two-disc compilation primarily known as a European release (often associated with Epic/Sony BMG Russia) that surfaced shortly after his passing. It serves as a comprehensive "club-ready" retrospective, gathering iconic 12-inch versions and rare radio edits that were previously scattered across various singles and regional releases. Key Highlights & Track Breakdown
The collection is structured to move from Jackson’s peak 80s dominance into his more experimental 90s era, featuring high-quality remixes by legendary producers like Frankie Knuckles, Masters At Work, and Roger Sanchez. Disc 1: The Golden Era Extended
Billie Jean (Original 12" Version): The definitive 6:21 club mix that emphasizes the iconic bassline.
The Way You Make Me Feel (Dance Extended Mix): A massive 7:51 version that expands the track's rhythmic structure. Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009-
Bad (Dance Remix Radio Edit): A tighter, punchier take on the 1987 title track.
Smooth Criminal (Extended Dance Mix Radio Edit): Features unique instrumental layers not found on the standard Bad album. Disc 2: Modern Reimagining & Rarities
Beat It 2008 (feat. Fergie) & The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with will.i.am): These tracks, originally from the Thriller 25 anniversary release, represent Michael's final official studio collaborations.
They Don't Care About Us (Love To Infinity's Walk In The Park Mix): A rare 7:18 house-inflected remix that drastically shifts the tone of the original protest song.
Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix): A soulful, house-style update by the legendary NYC production duo.
In The Closet (KI’s 12"): A deep-cut remix that leans into the New Jack Swing elements of the Dangerous era. Collector's Perspective
This 2009 set is particularly valued by collectors because it avoids the "modern" over-processing found in later posthumous projects like Xscape or Immortal. Instead, it acts as an archive of the official 12-inch singles that DJs used during Michael's actual career. While some track titles on the packaging are noted as slightly inaccurate (e.g., "Billie Jean 12' Mix" is actually the "Original 12" Version"), the audio remains a solid representation of his dancefloor legacy. Is the Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD-
For a deeper look into the history of Michael Jackson's official albums and the context surrounding his 2009 releases, watch this retrospective: History of Michael Jackson 1979-2009 Old and New Gamer YouTube• Oct 21, 2017 Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
Notes. This Compilation ℗&© MJJ Production Inc. / Distributed by SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Изготовлено в России. Изготовитель: Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
The 2009 2-CD compilation Michael Jackson: Remixes and Rarities
serves as a fascinating, albeit unofficial, look into the transformative nature of Michael Jackson's music through the lens of late-20th and early-21st-century club culture. Released amidst the global surge of interest following Jackson’s passing, this specific Russian-produced Digipak highlights how his work was adapted for the dance floor beyond its original radio-friendly structures. A Bridge Between Eras
The collection is notable for its heavy reliance on the "Remix" culture of the 1990s and early 2000s, often pulling from rare 12-inch singles that were previously difficult for casual fans to find.
focuses largely on extended versions and radio edits of his biggest hits. While some tracks, like the "Billie Jean (Original 12" Version)," are essentially extended loops of the original groove, others like the "Jon B. Main Mix" of "You Are Not Alone" provide a distinct R&B flavor that deviates significantly from the gospel-ballad roots of the original.
dives deeper into the house and "new jack swing" remixes. It features prominent producers of the era, such as Roger Sanchez SEO Keywords: Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD-
, who reimagined tracks like "Jam" and "Stranger in Moscow" for European clubs. These versions often strip back Jackson’s vocals to focus on driving basslines and synth stabs. The Question of "Rarities"
The title "Rarities" is somewhat of a misnomer for seasoned collectors but accurate for the average listener. Many of the "12' Mixes" labeled on the packaging are actually standard album versions or well-known edits, a common trait in unofficial releases from this period. However, its inclusion of specific mixes like the "KI's 12'" of "In The Closet" and "Naughty Radio Edit" of "Scream" provides a cohesive snapshot of the high-energy, aggressive production style Jackson favored during the Legacy and Context While official releases like The Remix Suite The Stripped Mixes
later sought to modernize Jackson’s catalog with new production from Akon or The Neptunes, Remixes and Rarities
remains a "time capsule" of the actual contemporary remixes that played in clubs during Jackson’s lifetime. It captures the period when Jackson’s music wasn’t just pop history, but active, evolving material for the world’s DJs. detailed breakdown
of the specific producers featured on the second disc, or perhaps a comparison to the official 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
Notes. This Compilation ℗&© MJJ Production Inc. / Distributed by SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. Изготовлено в России. Изготовитель: Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
The compilation is structured to appeal to completists, focusing on extended versions suitable for DJs and fans of Jackson’s production prowess during his peak creative years (late 70s to early 90s).
For a budget release, the Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009- is surprisingly sleek. The packaging usually features a grayscale or sepia-toned image of Jackson mid-spin, with minimalist typography. However, collectors must beware: there are multiple versions.
It is important to note that this 2009 release is not an official product of the Michael Jackson Estate or Sony Music Entertainment.