When I started, I had an exercise book and had to seek out adverts in record Mirror, NME etc. No internet, fanzines, really. Only 13/14, I didn't know where to find this stuff really.
Gaps were usually found in Barry's Record shop on Blackfriars, listed in his hand written exercise book of ALL UK releases.
Even then, it was difficulty. I had about 4 titles for Smokey's " whole lot of shaking in my heart.....Since i met you, since you've been gone, since I lost you etc.
Great days!