An edit that intensifies the duet with Janet Jackson, pushing the emotional vocal delivery to the forefront.
Michael Jackson – Remixes And Rarities (2009) is a 2-CD compilation released in Russia, often categorized as an unofficial release
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.
If Disc 1 is built for the dance floor, Disc 2 is a treasure trove for music historians. It gathers hard-to-find international B-sides, soundtracks, and regional exclusives that were previously locked away on obscure vinyl pressings or limited-edition CD singles.
This disc features the highly controversial "2008" remixes, including Beat It featuring Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, and The Girl Is Mine featuring Will.i.am. These tracks were originally recorded for the aborted 2008 25th-anniversary reissue of Thriller . Beyond these, the disc is filled with house-inspired remixes from legendary producers like Masters at Work, Junior Vasquez, and Love to Infinity. It includes an extensive 16-track list, making it a comprehensive look at how club culture interpreted Jackson's catalogue in the late '90s and early 2000s. Michael Jackson Remixes And Rarities -2CD- -2009-
The downside of Disc 1, as noted by audiophiles analyzing the waveform, is that the mastering is loud. It suffers from the "loudness war" of the mid-2000s, sacrificing dynamic range for volume.
Disc 2 focuses on re-imagined tracks from the Dangerous and HIStory eras, showcasing the influence of 90s house music and Euro-dance.
This edit combines the narrative tension of the theatrical version with the harder synthesizer loops of the club promos.
Released in 2009, this 2CD set filled a massive void for fans undergoing a profound period of grief and celebration. It stood out from standard "Greatest Hits" packages by offering a deeper, more analytical look at his catalog. An edit that intensifies the duet with Janet
Tracks like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" are often reworked into extended dance mixes, enhancing the bass lines and adding house or techno elements that highlight their lasting danceability.
Unlike official releases, “Remixes And Rarities” is widely classified by collectors as an . The discs were reportedly produced by a Russian branch of the media industry, with labels and catalog numbers (such as 22587-1/2 and 4607147894385) that mimic the appearance of legitimate Sony BMG and MJJ Productions products. This effort to appear “official” has, over the years, led to considerable confusion among fans and casual buyers alike.
: Features unique instrumental layers not found on the standard Bad album. Disc 2: Modern Reimagining & Rarities
A massive 6-minute-and-30-second version that allows the complex Afro-funk percussion and the famous "Mama-say mama-sa mama-coo-sa" chant to breathe. Disc 2: Deep Cuts and Alternative Audio This thoughtful curation provides a fascinating glimpse into
How to Evaluate a Copy Before Buying
| # | Title | Notes | |---|-------|-------| | 1 | | From 1997 single promos | | 2 | Ghosts (Mousse T Remix) | Rare from European promos | | 3 | Is It Scary (Deep Dish Dark Remix) | Bootleg/unreleased version | | 4 | You Rock My World (Album Instrumental) | Unreleased instrumental | | 5 | Butterflies (Acapella) | From Invincible sessions | | 6 | Break Of Dawn (Early Demo) | Rough mix, different vocals | | 7 | Unbreakable (Full Length Version) | Extended intro | | 8 | Speechless (Piano & Voice Mix) | Rare stripped version | | 9 | Whatever Happens (Alternate Mix) | Different guitar solo by Carlos Santana | | 10 | One More Chance (Original Demo) | Richer arrangement than final 2003 single | | 11 | We’ve Had Enough (Extended Version) | Longer than The Ultimate Collection version | | 12 | Beautiful Girl (Unreleased 2004 Mix) | From The Ultimate Collection outtakes | | 13 | I’m A Loser (Demo 1988) | Unreleased Bad era demo | | 14 | Cheater (Demo 1986) | Later officially released on Bad 25 |
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
| This Bootleg | Official Equivalent | |--------------|----------------------| | Afrojack remixes | Thriller 25 (2008) deluxe edition / Bad 25 (2012) | | Extended 12″ mixes | The Ultimate Collection (2004) box set | | Love To Infinity remix | HIStory Remixes promo CD (1997) | | Demos & instrumentals | Bad 25 , This Is It (2009), Xscape (2014) |
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