On a trip to Sydney, I had to record the sound of the crosswalk for myself as I finally got to experience the source of the sample in Walk Now.
> Satan
The use of Bon Jovi and Belinda Carlisle sounds amazing to this day.
The first time I realized there were different releases based on location I was pissed. This was in high school for me, but I found out there were ways to get imports. The easiest way with limited amounts of success was to find a Virgin Records store. On rare trips to LA, I could find stuff as well, but that was also hit or miss to what was available. Eventually, a friend and I started our own record store and then we had access to distributors/importers directly.
The great equalizer of course was Napster. There were a few ftp accounts along the way as well. So dear children, just be thankful you have the likes of YT and other places that make it oh so much easier to enjoy music.