Released in the wake of Michael Jackson’s passing in June 2009, Remixes And Rarities is a double-disc compilation that caters to the collector's market. Unlike official posthumous releases (such as Michael or Xscape), this set does not focus on polished, studio-quality "new" songs. Instead, it serves as a historical archive, capturing the evolution of Jackson’s sound through the lens of DJs, extended edits, and hard-to-find B-sides that were previously scattered across vinyl singles and CD singles throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The first disc focuses heavily on the Thriller and Bad eras, utilizing the "Extended Dance Mix" format that was ubiquitous in the 1980s.
These tracks are valuable to listeners who are used to the standard radio edits found on Number Ones or The Essential Michael Jackson, as they restore the full musical architecture intended for dancefloors.
Overview
Artistic significance
Disc 1 — Highlights and listening notes
Disc 2 — Dancefloor focus and deep cuts
Production and sonic character
Target audiences and use cases
Critical perspective
Suggested track-sequence listening approach
Short promotional blurb A thrilling two-disc journey through the dancefloors, studio outtakes, and hidden corners of Michael Jackson’s catalog — Remixes and Rarities (2CD, 2009) recasts iconic songs as inventive club anthems and reveals lesser-known studio gems, proving once more that Jackson’s music thrives in reinvention. Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009-
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The Michael Jackson: Remixes and Rarities collection, released in 2009, serves as a comprehensive two-disc tribute to the King of Pop's versatility. It focuses heavily on extended dance mixes and rare radio edits from his peak solo years, particularly the Thriller and Bad eras. Tracklist Highlights
The 2-CD set is structured to move from classic extended club versions to more contemporary, experimental reimagining. Disc 1: The Extended Classics
Billie Jean (Original 12" Version): The definitive long-form version of his signature track.
Smooth Criminal (Extended Dance Mix Radio Edit): A high-energy take on the Bad classic.
The Way You Make Me Feel (Dance Extended Mix): Featuring the full instrumental flourishes that define the song's groove.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Extended 12" Mix): A nearly 7-minute workout of the Thriller opener. Disc 2: The Modern & Rare Mixes
Beat It 2008 (feat. Fergie): A contemporary update originally released for the Thriller 25 anniversary.
Scream Louder (Flyte Tyme Remix): A heavy-hitting industrial-pop take on the Janet Jackson duet.
Stranger in Moscow (Tee's Radio Mix): A lighter, more beat-driven version of the haunting ballad.
They Don't Care About Us (Love To Infinity's Walk In The Park Mix): A dancefloor-focused house remix. Critical Reception Released in the wake of Michael Jackson’s passing
The collection received a warm reception from fans, currently holding an average rating of 4.63/5 on Discogs.
Positive Feedback: Listeners often praise the inclusion of "true reimaginings" like the Akon and will.i.am mixes, which many feel offer a fresh perspective without losing the essence of the original vocals.
Mixed Opinions: Some purists argue that the original productions are so iconic that remixes are "unnecessary". Critics from The Delaware Online noted that while some remixes (like Stargate’s "Skywriter") are brilliant, others struggle to improve upon perfection. Key Features
Rarity Focus: The set includes several edits that were previously only available on limited-run 7" or 12" vinyl singles, such as the 7" Single Edit of "I Just Can't Stop Loving You".
Production Pedigree: Features work from legendary remixers and producers including Roger Sanchez, Hani, and Junior Vasquez.
For a deeper look into the history of Michael Jackson's official remixes and why he occasionally had reservations about them, check out this discussion:
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.
Bad (Dance Remix Radio Edit): A tighter, punchier take on the 1987 title track. These tracks are valuable to listeners who are
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.
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
"Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009-" serves as a historical snapshot of the artist's "hidden" discography. It is a document valuable to DJs and hardcore fans for its preservation of the 12" single formats that defined the dance floors of the 1980s. However, it remains a pirate artifact. It is recommended that listeners seeking this material for archival purposes verify the source quality, as subsequent official releases (such as The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection or Bad 25) have since legally released much of this material in higher definition.
End of Report
Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009- serves as a time capsule for the King of Pop’s dominance in the dance market. While it lacks the official sanction and audio restoration of a Sony release, it remains a popular item among collectors for its inclusion of the hard-to-find 12-inch versions that defined MJ's reign in the club scene.
The second disc dives into "Rarities," a term that in the bootleg world can refer to anything from legitimate B-sides to demo leaks and live edits.