Meaning: The quote "But to put out a greatest hits on one CD was totally impossible, I just couldn't do it. The best compromise was to put out two CDs - Early Days - which is what it is - and Latter Days." by Jimmy Page reflects the challenges and decision-making process involved in compiling a collection of music that represents the breadth and depth of an artist's body of work. In this case, the quote refers specifically to the difficulty Page faced in condensing the highlights of his musical career into a single CD, ultimately leading to the decision to release two separate CDs titled "Early Days" and "Latter Days."

Jimmy Page is a renowned musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the guitarist and founder of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. With a career spanning decades and encompassing a wide range of musical styles and influences, Page's catalog of work is extensive and diverse. As such, creating a single "greatest hits" compilation that adequately represents his artistic evolution and contributions to music proved to be a formidable task.

The notion of a "greatest hits" album typically entails selecting the most popular and influential songs from an artist's career and compiling them into a single cohesive collection. However, for artists with a rich and varied body of work, such as Jimmy Page, this can be a complex endeavor. The challenge lies in balancing the desire to showcase a comprehensive overview of the artist's musical journey with the limitations of physical media, such as the time constraints of a single CD.

In the case of Jimmy Page, the quote suggests that the task of condensing his extensive musical legacy into a single CD was deemed "totally impossible" by the artist himself. This sentiment underscores the depth and significance of Page's musical repertoire, making it clear that a single compilation would not adequately capture the breadth of his artistry.

As a solution to this dilemma, Page opted for a compromise by releasing two separate CDs: "Early Days" and "Latter Days." This strategic decision allowed him to segment his career into distinct periods, each with its own thematic and sonic characteristics. By doing so, Page was able to offer listeners a more comprehensive and nuanced representation of his musical evolution, effectively sidestepping the limitations of a single "greatest hits" compilation.

The choice to divide the compilation into "Early Days" and "Latter Days" also suggests a deliberate effort to showcase the evolution of Page's musical style and artistic identity over time. This approach not only acknowledges the diverse phases of his career but also provides context for listeners to appreciate the progression and development of his musical expression.

In essence, Page's quote encapsulates the intricate balance between artistic integrity, commercial considerations, and the desire to offer fans a meaningful and comprehensive musical experience. It reflects the challenges and considerations that artists face when curating their legacy into a condensed format, highlighting the importance of thoughtful curation and the ability to adapt to the constraints of the medium.

Ultimately, Page's decision to release "Early Days" and "Latter Days" as separate CDs serves as a testament to his commitment to presenting his musical journey in a way that honors its complexity and depth, ultimately providing listeners with a more immersive and authentic retrospective of his artistry.