Michael Jackson Remixes: And Rarities -2cd- -2009-
The 2009 release of Michael Jackson: Remixes and Rarities stands as a fascinating, albeit bittersweet, time capsule in the King of Pop’s immense discography. Released during a year of unprecedented global focus on Jackson’s legacy, this 2-CD compilation serves as a curated deep dive into the sonic experiments and hidden gems that defined his peak eras.
For the casual fan, it’s a high-energy journey; for the "MJ" completist, it’s an essential archival piece that captures the transition from disco-funk mastery to the New Jack Swing revolution. Disc 1: The Art of the Remix
Michael Jackson was never a stranger to the dance floor, but the first disc of this collection highlights how his music was reshaped for the club culture of the 80s and 90s.
During this era, a "remix" wasn't just a beat swap; it was a total reimagining. You’ll find extended versions of hits from Off the Wall and Thriller that allow the instrumentation to breathe. The basslines are funkier, the percussion is sharper, and the "Jackson ad-libs"—those iconic chirps, grunts, and gasps—are often brought to the forefront. These versions remind listeners that while Michael was a pop idol, his roots were firmly planted in groove-heavy R&B. Disc 2: The Rarities and B-Sides
The second disc is where the "Rarities" tag truly earns its keep. Before the age of digital streaming, many of these tracks were tucked away on international 12-inch singles or limited-edition box sets.
The appeal here is witnessing Michael’s creative process. The "Rarities" often include:
Early Demos: Stripped-back versions of global hits that show the raw power of his vocal arrangements.
Lost Tracks: Songs that didn't quite fit the narrative of Bad or Dangerous but maintain a high production standard.
Alternative Mixes: Instrumental or "dub" versions that highlight the genius of legendary producers like Quincy Jones and Teddy Riley. Why This Release Matters
Released in 2009, this 2-CD set caught the wave of the world’s renewed interest in Jackson’s technical brilliance. It moved the conversation away from the tabloid headlines and back to the studio. It proved that Jackson’s "scrapped" material was often better than most artists' lead singles.
The production quality on this set is remarkably crisp, ensuring that the 2009 mastering does justice to the complex layers of Jackson’s sound. Whether it’s the soaring synth-pop of his mid-80s work or the gritty, industrial edge of his 90s output, the collection feels cohesive. Final Verdict
Michael Jackson: Remixes and Rarities (2009) is more than just a "greatest hits" alternative. It is a testament to an artist who was never satisfied with a standard radio edit. For those looking to go beyond the surface of Billie Jean and Man in the Mirror, this 2-CD set provides the bridge to the more experimental side of the greatest entertainer of all time.
Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities (2CD, 2009) is a two-disc compilation primarily known as an unofficial release
issued by the label Star Mark. Produced in Russia and packaged as a Digipak, the set includes a selection of club mixes, extended versions, and rare demo tracks spanning Jackson's solo career. Release Details Star Mark (Catalog #22587). 2 x CD, Compilation, Unofficial. Manufactured in: Packaging:
Includes a short biography and discography written in Russian. Notable Content and Track Corrections
While the compilation lists various "12' Mixes," collectors and reviewers from
have noted that several tracks are actually standard album versions or specific single edits: Disc 1 Highlights: "Billie Jean" : Labeled as a 12' Mix, but is the Original 12" Version "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" : Labeled as a 12' Mix, but is the Extended 12" Mix "In The Closet" : Labeled as a 12' Mix, but is : Labeled as a Special U.S. Mix, but is the Naughty Radio Edit with Rap "Beat It" & "Thriller" : Both labeled as 12' Mixes but are the standard Album Versions Disc 2 Highlights: "Remember The Time" : Labeled as Silky Soul (4:23), confirmed as the Silky Soul 7" "You Are Not Alone" : Features the Jon B. Main Mix Rarities and Demos
This 2009 timeframe saw several "rarities" collections surface, often including tracks that were later officially released on projects like The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection . Common rarities found on similar 2009 sets include: Michael Jackson Wiki Michael Jackson Wiki
"Fall Again," "Cheater," "Beautiful Girl," and "Scared of the Moon". Rare Tracks:
"Monkey Business," "Someone Put Your Hand Out," and "In The Back". Comparison with Official 2009 Releases
It is important to distinguish this unofficial Star Mark release from official 2009 Motown/Universal projects: The Remix Suite Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009-
: A sanctioned celebration of Jackson's Motown catalog featuring modern remixes by producers like The Neptunes, Akon, and Stargate The Stripped Mixes
: Official acoustic-style versions of classic Motown-era hits. Amazon.com track-by-track breakdown of the second disc or more information on the official 2009 remix projects AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Here’s a deep post style write-up for that release, suitable for a music blog, forum (like SoulSeek, Reddit, or a fan board), or social media caption.
Deep Post: Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities -2CD- (2009)
In the flood of posthumous MJ projects, certain underground compilations hit different. This 2CD set, surfaced around late 2009, isn’t your average “Greatest Hits” repack. Instead, it’s a treasure chest for collectors who craved the B-sides, the promo-only mixes, and the ghosts hiding between album tracks.
CD1 leans heavy on the Dangerous & HIStory eras – think the Brothers in Rhythm club mix of “Rock With You,” the full-length “Blood on the Dance Floor” Refugee Camp mix, and that elusive “Superfly Sister” extended version. You also get rarer single edits (the “Scream” album version is actually different from the radio cut here) and the 12″ of “2 Bad” with the vanished rap intro.
CD2 goes deeper: “Someone Put Your Hand Out” (the Pepsi promo gem), “On the Line” from Ghosts, the “Morphine” instrumental that leaked only on vinyl promos, and a live studio run-through of “Stranger in Moscow” with alternate vocals. Plus – the holy grail for many – the “Tabloid Junkie” a cappella, sourced from a long-forgotten German promo.
Why does this matter? Because 2009 was a strange hinge year – fans were mourning, but also hungry for the unreleased. This set (unofficial, of course) filled a gap left by Sony’s cautious vault releases. It’s not polished. It’s not approved. But it is a time capsule of how the hardcore fan community kept Michael’s sonic experiments alive.
Essential for:
- DJs looking for vinyl-only mixes
- Fans who wore out Blood on the Floor
- Anyone who thinks “Ghosts” (the track) should have been a single
Grab it if you see the CD-Rs. Lossless is preferred. Respect the legacy.
Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities (2009) is a 2-CD compilation released in Russia, often categorized as an unofficial release
. This collection gathers various 12" versions, extended mixes, and radio edits from Jackson’s solo career, primarily spanning the Tracklist Details
The compilation features a mix of original extended versions and later remixes. Some tracks listed as "12' Mix" are actually the standard album or original 12" versions. CD 1: Original 12" Versions and Radio Edits
The first disc contains notable 12" versions and radio edits from the
eras, including tracks like "Billie Jean (12" Version)," "Smooth Criminal (Extended Dance Mix)," and "In The Closet (KI's 12")". CD 2: Remixes and Collaborations
The second disc features a variety of remixes, such as "Scream Louder (Flyte Tyme Remix)," "They Don't Care About Us (Love To Infinity's Walk In The Park Mix)," and "Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix)," along with 2008 versions of "Beat It" and "The Girl Is Mine". Related 2009 Releases
It is important to distinguish this "Remixes And Rarities" set from other official 2009 compilations, such as The Remix Suite (Motown-era remixes) and The Stripped Mixes Amazon.com of these specific remixes? Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
The Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities (2009) 2CD set is a fascinating unofficial compilation that serves as a treasure trove for deep-cut collectors and fans of the King of Pop's dancefloor transformations. Released primarily in Russia, this double-disc set spans decades of MJ’s career, blending official 12" versions with rare radio edits and high-profile remixes from the early 2000s. Disc One: The Classics Reimagined
The first disc leans heavily into the "extended" and "dance" versions of Michael's biggest hits, providing the full-length grooves that defined his dominance on the charts.
Extended Mixes: Highlights include the iconic Billie Jean (Original 12" Version) and the Smooth Criminal (Extended Dance Mix Radio Edit). The 2009 release of Michael Jackson: Remixes and
7" Edits: Includes harder-to-find versions like the I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (7" Single Edit) and Another Part of Me (Extended Dance Mix).
The New Era: It also captures Michael’s later work, such as the Scream (Naughty Radio Edit with Rap) and the You Are Not Alone (Jon B. Main Mix). Disc Two: The Rare & Modern Flavour
Disc Two is where the "Rarities" aspect truly shines, featuring modern collaborations and unique club interpretations that were circulating around 2009.
2008 Revamps: Features the official remixes from the Thriller 25 anniversary, including Beat It 2008 (feat. Fergie) and The Girl Is Mine 2008 (Club Mix feat. will.i.am).
Deep House & Underground: Tracks like Black or White (House with Guitar Radio Mix) and the Rock With You (Masters At Work Remix) offer a house-inflected perspective on his legendary soul-pop foundations.
Collectors' Gems: Includes rarer radio experiences like Earth Song (Hani’s Radio Experience) and Stranger in Moscow (Tee’s Radio Mix). Why It Stands Out
Unlike official retrospectives like The Remix Suite (2009), which focused on Motown-era re-imaginings by producers like Akon and The Neptunes, the Remixes And Rarities set is valued for grouping together various 12" vinyl-only versions and niche European edits in one physical package.
If you want to experience the King of Pop’s music live, the MJ Live tribute show at Harrah's Las Vegas recreates the magic of these hits with a live band and dancers. Alternatively, The Orleans Hotel & Casino hosts MJ The Evolution, celebrating his career from the Jackson 5 through his solo peaks. Expand map Kanye, Akon Help Jackson Revisit 'Thriller' - Billboard
Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities - A Treasure Trove of Unreleased and Remixed Goodness
In 2009, music fans were treated to a unique and exciting release: "Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities". This 2-CD collection is a must-have for any Michael Jackson enthusiast, featuring a range of unreleased tracks, remixes, and rare gems from the King of Pop's vaults.
A Brief Overview
The collection is divided into two CDs, each with its own distinct flavor. The first CD focuses on remixes of some of Michael's most beloved songs, while the second CD showcases rare and unreleased tracks. This thoughtful curation provides a fascinating glimpse into Michael's creative process and experimentation with different sounds and styles.
CD 1: Remixes
The remixes on the first CD are a treat for fans of Michael's pop and dance-oriented sound. Tracks like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Randy & The Gypsy Remix)" and "Rock With You (DJ Fresh Remix)" breathe new life into classic hits. These remixes not only demonstrate Michael's versatility as an artist but also highlight his enduring influence on contemporary music.
CD 2: Rarities
The second CD is where things get really interesting. This collection of rare and unreleased tracks offers a glimpse into Michael's experimental and innovative approach to music. Songs like "Blood on the Dance Floor" and "She's Out of My Life (Demo)" showcase Michael's ability to craft compelling narratives and melodies. Other tracks, such as "There You Have It" and "Beat It ( DJ Z Ski Mix)", highlight his willingness to push boundaries and explore new sounds.
Highlights and Rarities
Some standout tracks from the collection include:
- "Blood on the Dance Floor" - A dark and edgy song that was originally intended for the "Bad" album.
- "There You Have It" - A catchy, upbeat track featuring a memorable hook and infectious beat.
- "She's Out of My Life (Demo)" - A poignant and introspective demo that showcases Michael's emotional delivery.
Conclusion
"Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities" is a fantastic collection that offers something for every Michael Jackson fan. Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or just looking to explore the King of Pop's discography, this 2-CD set is a must-have. With its expertly curated selection of remixes and rare tracks, this collection is a treasure trove of unreleased and remixed goodness. Deep Post: Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities
Discography:
CD 1:
- Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Randy & The Gypsy Remix)
- Rock With You (DJ Fresh Remix)
- Working Day and Night (Masters At Work Mix)
- Get on the Floor (Louis Bianculli & Michael Mendler Mix)
- Beat It (DJ Z Ski Mix)
- Billie Jean (Tricky Remix)
CD 2:
- Blood on the Dance Floor
- There You Have It
- She's Out of My Life (Demo)
- I Never Heard
- Beat It (Early Version)
- Working Day and Night (Original Version)
Release Date: 2009
Label: MJJ Productions / Sony Music
Catalog Number: 8869753572
If you're a Michael Jackson fan looking to expand your collection or simply experience some new and exciting music, "Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities" is an essential listen.
REPORT: MICHAEL JACKSON – REMIXES AND RARITIES (2009)
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Analysis of the 2009 2CD Compilation "Remixes and Rarities" Classification: Unofficial Release / Bootleg Analysis
Packaging
- Jewel case or slim double jewel case.
- Cover art: Often a low-resolution photo of Michael from the Dangerous or HIStory era, with generic “Remixes And Rarities” text.
- Booklet: Minimal or none. Sometimes a single sheet with tracklist.
- Disc art: Plain silver with black text, or a simple MJ silhouette.
5. Notable Tracks Frequently Associated with this Compilation
While tracklists for bootlegs can vary by pressing plant, the "Remixes and Rarities" concept usually includes:
- Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Extended Version)
- Rock with You (Extended Version)
- Billie Jean (Club Mix)
- State of Shock (with Mick Jagger)
- Scared of the Moon (Demo/Rough Mix)
- We Are the World (Demo Version)
Disc 2: Rarities & Ballads
The second disc shifts tone, offering a mix of album cuts, B-sides, and demo-quality rarities.
- Rare Tracks: Includes songs that appeared as B-sides to singles (e.g., tracks like "Someone in the Dark" or "One Day in Your Life").
- Outtakes: May include early demo versions or alternate vocal takes. The quality of these tracks varies significantly, ranging from studio-quality to "work-in-progress" fidelity.
- Unreleased Material: Often features songs known only to hardcore collectors, such as tracks recorded for films or commercials that never saw a wide commercial album release.
The Verdict
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 – Remixes And Rarities is a two-disc compilation album released in
. While it bears logos from major labels like Epic and Legacy, it is generally categorized as an unofficial release (bootleg) originally distributed in Russia. The collection features a total of
, primarily consisting of original 12" extended versions and various dance remixes from throughout Jackson's solo career. Rockinronnie Tracklist Highlights
The album is divided into two discs, focusing on different types of remixes:
Focuses on classic 12-inch versions and radio edits of major hits like "Billie Jean" and "Bad".
Features later remixes, including "Beat It 2008" and "The Girl Is Mine 2008". Album Details 2 x CD, Compilation, 2009. Genre/Style: Electronic, Pop, House, R&B/Swing. Label Info: Unofficial release often linked to "Star Mark". For official 2009 releases, consider The Remix Suite This Is It . Further details can be found on 2009 remix albums? Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities - Discogs
2. Product Specifications
- Title: Remixes And Rarities
- Artist: Michael Jackson
- Format: 2CD, Digipak (commonly), Jewel Case (variations exist)
- Release Year: 2009
- Label: Uncredited / Grey Market Label (Often attributed to bootleg labels mimicking professional standards)
- Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul, Dance
- Source Material: Studio outtakes, Vinyl rips (for rare extended mixes), and previously released B-sides.