ProduktrezensionenNumber Ones by Michael Jackson (CD, Apr-2009, Sony Music Distribution (USA))

Great sonics and performaces starting at Track 6. (1-5 needed remastering)

First, the bad news, this should have been a 5-star rating, but the five cuts from from "Off The Wall" and "Thriller" should have been remastered. I have both on vinyl so I know they can sound better than this. These cuts sounded dark and closed-in, with minimal soundstage; fairly shallow front to back layering was all that was evident, giving them that cardboardy digital sound that was endemic among early analog-to-digital mixers and encoders of the early eighties, and nowadays in compressed files of the MP3 ilk.

The good news? I became a Michael Jackson Fan last night listening to "Number Ones". The dull sounding, digitally massacred, sonics of the first five songs left me wondering if something had gone terribly wrong with my playback chain consisting of Krell amplification (400 Watts per channel), Oppo BDP-83 SE multiformat disc player, Martin-Logan Aerius-CLS electrostat speakers, and B&W 800 ASW powered subwoofer, with Kimber Kable KCAG interconnect. Not so, because when "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" from the album "Bad" came up, it was jaw-dropping time.

By the time "Bad" was recorded the engineer(s) doing the mixing and digital encoding had absorbed this digital engineering learning curve and on "Bad", Quincy Jones is clearly at the top of his game in this regard. All the remaining 13 cuts on this release are 5-star on sonics and performance.

Let me be clear, up to this point I've only been talking about the sonics, that is how the recording sounds, this encompasses many things, microphone placement, recording venue, mixing and engineering and the constraints that studio and live recoding equipment impose on the final product. It does not include an evaluation of the talent and performance of the muscians, nor the artistic contribution of engineers like Quincy Jones. These elements are the basis of the performance evaluation.

The "Number Ones" track list contained tracks that were unfamiliar to me and that selection was fortuitous as it showcased MJ's vocal talent in such a way that allowed me to connect to his music in an emotional way. (I was a little ashamed of myself for writing him of as just another AM radio pop artist.) So starting tomorrow, I'm going to start looking for some of his later work in SACD or at least remastered Redbook CD.

Michael Jackson, you were the Michael Jordon of music, the Frank Sinatra of swank and on stage swagger, and I owe you an apology for discounting your considerable vocal talents and song writing ability. I may be within spittin' distance of my golden years, but I still enjoy well recorded and performed pop music.

BartoffVollständige Rezension lesen...

Michael Jackson Number Ones cd

Most every extra special hit that you enjoy from Michael is on this album. You can listen to the tracks over & over again & not get tired. For those who may not be fans this will more than likely turn your head. For those who ALREADY are fans this will be something to be treasured for years to come. Well worth the money!Vollständige Rezension lesen...

Perfect CD

Excellent music

Bestätigter Kauf:  Ja | Artikelzustand: gebraucht | Verkauft von: decluttr_store

Perfect music by the great micheal

There isn’t any words to describe michaels talent,

Bestätigter Kauf:  Ja | Artikelzustand: gebraucht | Verkauft von: roztr

I am a micheal Jackson fan

Awesome it’s great

NICE!

LOST FOR WORDS...IT,S GREAT!

Bestätigter Kauf:  Ja | Artikelzustand: gebraucht | Verkauft von: decluttr_store

RIP MJ

Great CD for someone who has been an MJ fan for all "his" years. This CD is put together well with all his somewhat greatest hits. RIP....

CD a must have for Michael Jackson fans

My son has been listening to the CD for weeks. And because it has only Michael Jackson hits, all the songs are great. Don't get tired of listening any of them. Instead of buying one of Michael Jackson's hits here and there why not have them all on one CD? I am EXTREMELY satisfied with this purchase!!Vollständige Rezension lesen...

GREAT AS ALWAYS..GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL

I bought this cd for my daughter. She has been a huge Michael Jackson fan since she was old enough to get into music.

We both had a good cry, more than once, when he passed away. The music on this cd is the best of the best.

I highly recommend it to any Jackson fan.

Add this one to your collection.Vollständige Rezension lesen...

cd great music

I am truly glad that I won this cd of MJ music all his number one hits. My aunt loves this present for her. Do you have any more of MJ music could you email a list to me with the prices. I would like to get the song about MOscow.
I have heard it but not all. Have a great day!Vollständige Rezension lesen...