CDs:
Off the Wall
There are two primary versions of
OtW. The easiest way to identify them is by using "Rock With You" as a guide. The original version doesn't have claps in the chorus - version two DOES have claps.
For the version without claps, I recommend the Japanese 1991 ESCA series CD. It has the exact same master as the original 80s CD at a far cheaper cost. This CD has pre-emphasis and will need to be properly decoded to sound right. I can offer advice on how to deal with pre-emphasis if you need it.
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall
For the remixed version WITH the claps, you have two options. My first recommendation would be the 2nd US CD. Very warm and natural sounding. Another great option is Bernie Grundman's 2001 remaster. Lots of clarity and punch, but less warm to my ears. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either, just a matter of taste.
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall
Michael Jackson - Off The Wall
Thriller
There's really no contest here. The original Japanese 35 8p-11 master is far and away the best version of
Thriller - I might even like it more than any vinyl version I've heard. The cheapest way to get this master is once again through the 1991 Japanese ESCA series. Identical master, fraction of the cost. This disc ALSO has pre-emphasis like the
OtW ESCA - but it's easy to deal with.
Michael Jackson - Thriller
For a cheaper alternative, I once again recommend Bernie Grundman's 2001 remaster series. I don't think it's nearly as good as the 35 8p-11, but it's very good.
Michael Jackson - Thriller
As somebody who owns the Japanese SACD - I do not think it's worth the insane prices that it commands. It sounds very, very good - but it is SO close to BG's 2001 remaster that it's just not worth the extra expense. And besides, it's still not as good as the Japanese master recommend above.
Bad
Once again,
Bad has two primary versions. There are a NUMBER of significant changes across different versions, but the easiest way to spot an early master is to see if there is a spoken word intro on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", as later versions removed it.
For the early version WITH the spoken word intro, I once again recommend the 1991 Japanese ESCA series. Sounds great.
Michael Jackson - Bad
Best version with all the edits is Bernie Grundman's 2001 remaster. Great low-end response from this disc.
Michael Jackson - Bad
Dangerous
The original CD of
Dangerous sounds really thin. Best version is Bernie Grundman's 2001 remaster, much better bass on this disc.
Michael Jackson - Dangerous
HIStory
US 1st Press CD is the way to go here. Make sure it doesn't have the scratch edits on "They Don't Care About Us" - MJ was pressured after release to bleep out a couple of slurs - largely because people didn't understand what the song was about.
Michael Jackson - HIStory - Past, Present And Future - Book I
BOtDF
First US CD sounds great. No need to stray.
Michael Jackson - Blood On The Dance Floor: HIStory In The Mix
Invincible
Once again, stick to the first US CD.
Michael Jackson - Invincible