Note: Always ensure the source is legitimate to guarantee that you are getting the true 2009 remaster in lossless format, rather than an upsampled MP3. Conclusion: An Essential Addition
Technical and Artistic Evaluation of Thriller (2009 Remaster) in FLAC Format
Recorded between April 1981 and January 1982, "Thriller" was a collaboration between Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, who had previously worked with Jackson on his 1979 album "Off the Wall." The album's recording process was a long and arduous one, with Jackson and Jones working tirelessly to create a cohesive and innovative work. The album's 10 tracks, including the iconic singles "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller," showcased Jackson's incredible vocal range and versatility.
The 2009 remastered "Thriller" in FLAC can be purchased from various online music stores, such as Amazon Music, HDtracks, or iTunes. Make sure to check the technical specifications to ensure you're getting the FLAC version.
The 2009 remastered version of "Thriller" is a treat for fans of the King of Pop. The album has been re-mastered from the original analog tapes, resulting in a more detailed and nuanced sound.
The 2009 remastering was done by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles, using the original analog master tapes. This remastering aimed to preserve the original sound and dynamics of the 1982 mix, while also ensuring that the audio was optimized for modern playback systems.
The preference for the FLAC format in conjunction with this remaster is a crucial distinction. In an era dominated by "loudness wars"—where music is overly compressed to sound louder at the expense of dynamic range—lossy formats like MP3 often flatten the nuances of complex arrangements. FLAC, however, is a lossless codec, meaning it compresses audio without discarding any data. When the 2009 remaster is encoded in FLAC, it retains the full dynamic range intended by the engineers. This is particularly vital for Thriller , an album known for its dramatic shifts in dynamics. The opening door creak on the title track or the orchestral swell in "The Girl Is Mine" requires a bit-perfect reproduction to deliver the emotional impact Jackson and Jones intended. The FLAC format ensures that the "breath" of the music remains, preventing the track from sounding like a wall of noise.
Once you have legally obtained your FLAC files, you'll need compatible software to play them. Fortunately, FLAC is widely supported. Popular media players like all natively support FLAC playback. High-end audio software like Roon or Audirvana is also excellent for managing and playing hi-res libraries. For those in the Apple ecosystem, while iTunes and the native Apple Music app do not support FLAC, you can use apps like VLC for iOS or convert the files to ALAC (Apple Lossless) with a free converter without any loss in quality.
Balance the track volumes for modern playback systems without falling into the "loudness wars."