CD Singles: what are the most wanted UK singles releases from the era of the high street?
Does anyone else remember the excitement of hearing something on the radio, then heading to the supermarket on pocket money day to pick up a CD single?
Am I showing my age here quite badly?
For a long time, when 'Spotify' was something you did with a Where's Wally book , our immediate access to songs was either a) taping it off the radio and praying the DJ wouldn't talk over the end, or b) picking up one of the many… many CD maxi-singles that gathered in music retail outlets and, eventually, supermarkets – much to the dismay of Art Brut .
In the United Kingdom, a CD maxi-single was a music single on a Compact Disc containing more tracks than the standard two-track (A-side and B-side) CD single. It was essentially the CD equivalent of the 12-inch vinyl single, often offering more value or a more comprehensive experience of a single release.
CD maxi-singles, like CD singles in general, were very popular in the UK throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, forming a significant part of the music market and singles chart. They were typically released in standard 5-inch jewel cases, or often in slimline jewel cases. Sometimes, special packaging like digipaks or card sleeves was used, occasionally with space to house a second companion CD single for multi-part releases.
It's the kind of CD that many charity shops across the United Kingdom still have hidden amongst albums people have donated; and some of them are, according to Discogs , very much still wanted by users of the marketplace.
So, what CD singles are people looking for? We've picked the ones that have more than likely either been passed down through the annals of time to find themselves in a charity shop or, again, are stuffed into the far recesses of your car's glove compartment.
1 . Pulp - Common People (1995, Island Records, CID 613, UK)
Jarvis Cocker's witty and poignant observational anthem, Common People is one of the defining songs of the Britpop era and a true masterpiece. This 1995 Island Records CD single (often the "Day version" sleeve) is a piece of British music legend. Its iconic status means it's perpetually in demand on Discogs and a very welcome charity shop discovery. 🔎 4617 wants | Getty/Discogs Photo Sales
2 . Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger (1996, Creation Records, CRESCD 221, UK)
An epic singalong anthem from Oasis' (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Don't Look Back In Anger is pure stadium rock brilliance. This 1996 Creation Records CD single is a cornerstone of Britpop. A true classic, it's a must-have for many music fans and frequently sought on Discogs, with copies regularly appearing in second-hand hunts. 🔎 4714 wants | Getty/Discogs Photo Sales
3 . Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc (2005, Parlophone, 7243 869882 2 5, UK)
The Grammy-winning, instantly recognisable hit from Gorillaz' Demon Days album, Feel Good Inc is a modern classic with its laid-back groove and De La Soul feature. This 2005 Parlophone CD single is a key track of the 00s. Its widespread appeal means it's a common sight on Discogs wantlists and a fantastic find when hunting through charity shop CD racks. 🔎 4858 wants | Getty/Discogs Photo Sales
4 . Spice Girls - Wannabe (1996, Virgin, VSCDT 1588, UK)
The phenomenal debut single that launched Spice Mania! Wannabe is a pure pop explosion that defined Girl Power for a generation. This 1996 Virgin CD single is a piece of 90s pop cultural history. It's a nostalgic favourite that many want to own, making it a frequently sought-after item on Discogs, and one you've got a good chance of spotting. 🔎 4887 wants | Getty/Discogs Photo Sales
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horoscope today, June 7, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in March 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 The contact who loves sharing comedy clips with you could be a serious business partner. So talk or write about your dreams today together. Your boundary- setting zone is sensitive, but also go-ahead. If big plans can't happen exactly as you wish, you are flexible enough to find attractive alternatives. 3 Your weekly horoscope for Saturday ♉ TAURUS April 21 to May 21 Firebrand Uranus boosts your independence, while Venus helps you stick up for a change you believe in. A project with some public performance gets closer, and words and music mix in wonderful ways. Read more into a gift from someone you may not know well, yet. Luck opens a violet door. Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♊ GEMINI May 22 to June 21 Hidden hopes and fears grow stronger in the shade today, and sharing them with 'M' lets some light in. But your best adviser now is yourself, don't silence any inner voice telling you where to go. Stepping away from work can help you see a situation more clearly – find the words and actions you'll need. Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♋ CANCER June 22 to July 22 Maybe a travel or study plan is moving faster than you expected – but that doesn't mean you can't keep up. chart encourages playing a little less safe, even if you can't be totally sure of the outcome. A family recently doubled in size has some luck tips to share. Love waits in a 'B' friend's contacts list. Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♌ LEO July 23 to August 23 You are ready to climb high and leave old ambitions behind – as fresh goals come your way from someone younger. This may ask a lot of you, but you have so much to give. Love confidence links to telling the truth, so don't be tempted to lie. Luck links to a pattern of musical notes. Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♍ VIRGO August 24 to September 22 The moon and Venus sometimes make a confusing communications team – as opposite opinions clash. But your key skill today is winning over all kinds of people. Maybe someone close is changing – but so are you. Together you can create a new normal that's better and more lasting. Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 There's a 'happy ever after' atmosphere in your chart as Venus moves on Credit: Getty ♎ LIBRA September 23 to October 23 Moon resilience helps you bounce back when no one expects it. Second chances are your zodiac speciality, and your natural fairness is bigger than pride. Someone recently relocated, maybe just in the short term, shares a picture that can change everything. Love heads back to its best. Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♏ SCORPIO October 24 to November 22 Confidence rises in passion terms and in regard to the respect you think you deserve. If people have not matched your hopes, this can change by tonight. While an open-air exercise class or music session inspires love feelings. Your fulfilment chart feels tough, but you'll stay in charge. Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♐ SAGITTARIUS November 23 to December 21 Work through your options today and make a shortlist, based on where you want to go rather than where you've already been. Prizes can feature a sunshine factor, from holiday foods to island locations. Love can start – and be such a surprise – when you spot a workmate in a leisure setting. Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♑ CAPRICORN December 22 to January 20 Surprises of the zodiac now centre on your chart, so be ready to give, and receive, wonderful feelings. Single? There can be a follow-up to a message sent months ago. Mars makes short cuts seem so tempting, especially in terms of physical change. It's vital to tick all boxes, now you've done your best. Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 Mars makes waves at work by questioning why things always need to be done one way – when you see a much better method Credit: Supplied ♒ AQUARIUS January 21 to February 18 You are ready to move from thinking about a family change to making it happen – yes, you have all the ingredients you need. When you add in ability to believe in your own strength, you shift to next-level success. Mars sparks love at first sight, as two style icons pass each other, perhaps in slow motion. Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♓ PISCES February 19 to March 20 Celebrate the small, quiet aspects of love all day – a partner will adore how cherished you can make them feel, with actions rather than gifts. Single? Someone who seems almost dull at first, is hiding a heart of gold. The Mars effect encourages outrageous menus – and prize-winning flavours. Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Prince William and Princess Sophie wow crowds as they team up for rare Royal double act
Sophie has been touted as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon' SHARE TO THE THRONE Prince William and Princess Sophie wow crowds as they team up for rare Royal double act Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCE William and his aunt Sophie teamed up yesterday in a rare royal double act. They toasted each other with gin during a joint engagement at the Royal Cornwall Show — and she proved to be a tonic by helping out with the heir to the throne's duties. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Prince William and his aunt Sophie teamed up yesterday in a rare royal double act Credit: Getty 4 The Royal pair drank Rattler cider at an engagement at the Royal Cornwall Show Credit: Getty 4 Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie has been touted as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon' Credit: Getty The Duke of Cornwall and Duchess of Edinburgh were met with cheering crowds yesterday. When he was offered a Rattler cider, Wills, 42, quipped: 'Everyone remembers their first Rattler. You don't remember your last.' He pretended to turn his nose up at the zero per cent alcohol option he was initially offered and asked for the proper stuff. At a gin stand, Wills joked he could 'see what today's going to be like' and also teased Sophie. They had been taken into a food and drinks tent, where Sophie was also seen happily chatting to a mother and baby about local produce. They went first to a chutney stand and then to the gin stall as William said: 'We've come from the chutneys straight into booze.' They were shown several gins before each were given one to try. He caught the Duchess going for another sip and joked to her: 'She said, 'You're not allowed to finish it'. You've got to watch her.' Sophie, 60, responded: 'He's learnt from the best.' Wills joked back: 'I've been caught out with whisky a few too many times. Desperate Harry & Meghan jump from idea to idea, only William & Kate have true clout "I think I can do that and then, 'Oh no I couldn't'.' The pair were also given a traditional Cornish pasty by Ann's Pasties. They then moved to the Healeys Cyder Farm stand, where William said: 'Look at the Rattler selection. Ah, definitely I'm happy about that.' Head of hospitality Laura Clerehugh, 36, said: 'I was going to say, you've had a Rattler.' William responded: 'Everyone remembers where they were when they had their first Rattler, I can tell you that.' He then laughingly agreed that you don't remember your last. Wills then asked about the 'zero' on the bottle, and when told that it meant zero alcohol he put the cup down and said: 'Oh no, no, no. I need original. Someone bring out the big guns.' Sources said the day was a huge success. Sophie has been touted as the Royal Family's 'secret weapon' thanks to her unwavering support for the monarchy and dedication to charities. She was ranked the fourth hardest working royal of last year, having carried out 257 engagements. Her welcome contribution comes at a difficult time for the Royal Family. They were rocked last year when the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer. Charles continues to receive treatment, while Kate announced earlier this year that she was in remission. The King had a blast yesterday as he fired an artillery piece on a visit to the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Larkhill, Wiltshire.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside David Beckham's 10 year battle to bag a knighthood after hat-trick of setbacks including tax row & leaked emails
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT has been ten years of tears, toil and the one unfortunate tantrum, but FINALLY David Beckham has landed his knighthood. Never has a man grafted harder — or deserved the nod — more. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 David Beckham has landed his knighthood Credit: Getty 8 David and Victoria with his OBE in 2003 Credit: Rex Features 8 A last-minute Beckham free kick sends England to the 2002 World Cup finals Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Quite how Goldenballs has turned things around following a hat-trick of personal disasters — more on them later — is testament to both the man himself and his incredible work ethic. Last night, a friend said: 'Quite simply, this is the ultimate accolade for David. 'Forget the medals, the trophies, the global fame and the millions in the bank. As a genuine and devoted royalist this means more to him than anything. It is his lifetime's work — and he's still only 50. 'People don't seem to realise how hard David works. His determination and work ethic is second to none. 'Despite all the setbacks, he knew he could turn things around and prove people wrong. And he's done it. 'His family and friends are incredibly proud, and David himself is beyond happy. 'After all these years, he's still a bit of a mum's boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clan.' For millions of fans, the knighthood is long overdue. And certainly, within hours of The Sun breaking the news yesterday, social media was flooded with messages of congratulations. Only a cynic, or a republican, could deny David Robert Joseph Beckham this honour. David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower Show A former England captain — a player whose last-gasp free kick against Greece in 2001 sent the nation through to the World Cup finals — his career on the pitch was Roy Of The Rovers stuff. But it is off the pitch where Becks has really come into his own, single-handedly revolutionising how players regard themselves. Rather than being seen as a fledgling commodity, Becks (ably assisted by a commercially driven team who recognised his poster boy looks, talent and genuine goodness) had the foresight to market himself as a brand. In short, he has transcended the sport. With more endorsement deals than you can shake a stick at, such canniness meant that by the age of 35, David knew he need never kick a ball or work again, if he so chose. Until Becks came along, retirement for top-flight players — many of whom leave school without so much as a GCSE to their name — meant a life of lost identity and panic. Now, inspired by Becks Inc, newer stars have secured their own marketing rights, ensuring a golden future away from the pitch. A generation of footballers' kids and grandkids will have David to thank for their homes, cars and private school education. In short, David was, and continues to be, a trailblazer. While it is his wife — the soon-to- be Lady Beckham — who is the acclaimed fashion designer, ironically it is Beckham who created the defining aesthetic of the 21st Century: The tattoo sleeve. Trailblazer His first inking came in 1999 — a dedication to his eldest son, Brooklyn. How sad, then, that the 26-year-old influencer, who hasn't spoken to his dad meaningfully in seven months, only found out about the knighthood after being directed to The Sun's exclusive story by pals. David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behave A friend However, this could well be a decorum thing. After all, once the letter from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood comes in the post, recipients are politely asked to keep schtum. It is, as David well knows, considered terribly poor etiquette to tell all and sundry in advance of the official publication. Yesterday, however, he excitedly took to Instagram to re-post reports, published in this newspaper, about the King's latest Birthday Honours. A friend added: 'Honestly, after all the speculation over the past few weeks, until he's on bended knee in front of the King, David won't quite believe it. 'Obviously he's shared the news with his immediate family but he won't be doing any formal celebrations until after the ceremony. 8 Beckham with Charles last year as he is named an ambassador for the King's Foundation Credit: PA 8 Prince William and David visit the London Air Ambulance charity last year Credit: Getty 8 Beckham with Sandra and Ted at the premiere of his 2023 Netflix documentary Credit: AP 'David would never ever want to be uncouth and openly brag about his honour. He knows how to behave. 'He is still not in contact with Brooklyn and, frankly, it would have been weird for him to reach out and tell him, so he didn't. It is up to Brooklyn now if he wishes to extend an olive branch and send on his congratulations. 'It is so sad because family means everything to David and he would love his entire clan to be at the investiture. Only time will tell though, but at the moment it is looking unlikely. But for now, David wants to just focus on the positives and celebrate this incredible achievement.' One can only imagine how proud his loving parents, Sandra and Ted, must be. The whole family adores the monarchy, as David's remarkable 12-hour vigil in line in 2022 to pay his respects to the late Queen proved. Over the past year he has also developed a touching relationship with King Charles — something a young Chingford-raised David could, surely, never have imagined. So much so that the monarch even sent over a birthday gift by courier to mark the star's 50th last month. Again, David has only shared with his inner circle what the gift was, although I am told it is, 'Something personal to Charles and David, something special'. Human side In return, of course, David has sent the King regular supplies of his homegrown honey. His friendship with Prince William, meanwhile, continues to flourish. The pair are on texting terms, and as William is an Aston Villa fan and Patron of the FA, much of their chat is football-related. But William also credits Becks with helping him navigate fame and the endless public scrutiny he faces each day. Despite David's well-documented highs, the path to this coveted knighthood has not been smooth. After all these years, he's still a bit of a mum's boy and is so thrilled his mum Sandra gets to see this. It is a huge moment in the Beckham clan A friend His sporting and charity endeavours — he has been a devoted Unicef ambassador for 20 years and was recently on the front cover of Time magazine in recognition of his philanthropy — should, on paper, have seen him recognised years ago. But he has had some widely publicised, erm, hiccups. These include the leaking of private emails in 2017 in which, embarrassingly, he labelled the Honours Committee 'unappreciative c***s'. Not very decorous. But in credit to David, he refused to kowtow to Russian hackers and pay their £1million ransom to stop the hacked emails being made public. While initially there was some outrage, his genuine passion and frustration also showed his human side. 'Thoroughly decent' It only endeared him further to many of the public, me included, who have variously questioned the committee's track record. Alongside a raft of other celebrities, including Ant and Dec, Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and Bob Geldof, he was also famously caught up in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme. HMRC won a case against the film financing tax-avoidance scheme, which then saw those involved landed with a huge backdated tax bill. However, in 2021 David was cleared by tax chiefs after proving his financial affairs were all in order, giving him the green light for a knighthood. And earlier this month he appeared on The Sunday Times Rich List, worth a combined £500million alongside his Spice Girl wife. A £100million 2022 World Cup deal with Qatar, a state where it is illegal to be gay, did not sit well with many fans — especially as he had previously graced the cover of gay lifestyle magazine Attitude and has always been a proud LGBTQ ally. But again, he was vindicated following the World Cup, with Qatar welcoming all-comers and showing willingness to be more moderate in its views. Becks' recent four-part Netflix documentary — one of the streamer's most watched shows in 2023 — was also a game-changer for the former Manchester United midfield ace. David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent man A friend In it, he did not shy away from any topics and refused to make it dedicated solely to his do-gooding. Indeed, it even referenced his worst footballing moment — that 1998 sending-off against Argentina in the France World Cup that led to effigies of him being hanged across the country. Showing just how full circle he has come, the documentary featured Diego Simeone, the other player at the centre of the red card incident. The pair have long been pals. Says a friend: 'David has lived an utterly extraordinary life but, through it all, he has remained a kind, patient and thoroughly decent man. 'Utterly extraordinary life 'Every single day he is approached for selfies and autographs, and he does it all with such good grace. He knows he has a responsibility and does his utmost to use his platform for good. 'He also does countless work behind the scenes that doesn't get written about or publicised. 'You would be hard-pressed to find someone with a bad word to say against him. 'It has been a long time coming, but finally David has what he has always dreamed of.' Arise, Sir David. 8 Brooklyn and dad David Credit: Getty
