Meaning: The quote by Geoff Downes, a musician known for his work with bands such as Yes and Asia, touches on the challenges and complexities involved in compiling a comprehensive collection of music over a long period of time. Let's break down the quote and explore its meaning in more detail.

"Just the actual physics of putting it all together, you know, the latter period is actually quite fragmented in terms of the licenses and all those things so it makes a compilation of the full twenty years really a technical minefield."

In this part of the quote, Downes uses the term "physics" metaphorically to describe the intricate and complex nature of assembling a comprehensive compilation of music. He emphasizes the challenges that arise during the latter period, indicating that this timeframe presents particular difficulties due to the fragmentation of licenses and related issues. The use of the term "technical minefield" highlights the intricate and potentially hazardous nature of navigating the legal and logistical complexities involved in compiling music from a span of twenty years.

Geoff Downes' observation sheds light on the intricate web of legal and logistical considerations that come into play when assembling a comprehensive collection of music. In the modern music industry, the process of compiling a retrospective collection spanning several decades involves navigating a myriad of licensing agreements, copyright considerations, and other technicalities. As artists and their works are often subject to various legal agreements and rights holders over time, the process of obtaining permissions and clearances for a comprehensive compilation can indeed become a challenging and complex endeavor.

The latter period that Downes refers to likely pertains to the later years of an artist's career or a specific era within a band's discography. As time progresses, artists may have been associated with multiple record labels, publishers, and rights holders, each of whom may have distinct licensing agreements and ownership stakes in their respective works. This fragmentation of licenses and rights can create a convoluted landscape that requires thorough navigation and negotiation to compile a cohesive and comprehensive retrospective collection.

Furthermore, the term "technical minefield" evokes the image of a treacherous and intricate terrain, emphasizing the intricate nature of the legal and logistical challenges involved. Navigating this minefield requires a keen understanding of copyright law, licensing agreements, and intellectual property rights, as well as a meticulous approach to securing the necessary permissions and clearances.

In summary, Geoff Downes' quote underscores the multifaceted nature of compiling a comprehensive collection of music over a span of twenty years. It highlights the legal and logistical complexities involved in navigating the fragmented landscape of licenses and rights, emphasizing the meticulous and challenging nature of this undertaking. As the music industry continues to evolve, the process of assembling retrospective compilations remains a technical minefield that demands careful navigation and expertise.