I have recently switched from the Desktop version to the Web version. It is my intention to use CLZ as my gateway into my music collection, and more broadly into music generally.
So far so fine, in particular with adding links to pages and documents stored in cloud services. I have already added my support to an earlier suggestion that you consider adding artist level fields - particularly links, so that I don’t have to duplicate general artist material across multiple album records.
In the desktop version, all tracks in my collection were linked to files in iTunes, so I could launch and play whenever I felt like it rather than exiting and searching in another app. Of course, that would only work if I was at home with the storage drive connected and powered up, but not if I was using my laptop working remotely.
I would very much like to be able to link to my music files from the Web version. I would also like to be able to link to my favourite streaming service when I am working remotely, or using the mobile versions of the apps. I imagine these would be huge developments, but I thought there would be no harm in asking, right?
Links to local, actual music files on a hard disk is almost certainly not happening, however we might look into somehow using an API for Spotify or Apple Music or other streaming services (there are many), to get you play links.
For now, you can just edit an album, go to the LINKS tab, and paste a Spotify link there (Spotify can generate album links, so that’s how you can do that). Lot of work, but it would help you today
I appreciate the suggested album level workaround for streaming. FWIW … I use Amazon, and know there are many streamers!
It’s a shame there is no appetite for links to files. I wonder how many of your users have actually saved their collections to disk - from CDs, downloads, LP/45 rips, YouTube conversions etc. Of course, not all could be bothered to link to files, I get that.
If file links are a non-starter, is there any chance that you could launch a desktop app such as iTunes and play the album?
Well… there are definitely users who have digitalised their collections (and they can be quite vocal about that too ), but most of our users use our tools for cataloging their CD/vinyl/etc. collections, and not for “playing” their collections (but using the location field to see where that vinyl may be in their record room, to grab it, and play on their vinyl player, for instance).
From what we see the shift is going from music files locally to having CDs/Vinyl and playing/listening on streaming services (or the actual CD/vinyl).
I’m not sure if that’s possible to be honest, sounds like a big security problem if that would be possible (to start a program by clicking a link on a website). Sorry!
@michaeljraven
I add all kinds of links to my movie collection via Movie Collector so I can’t understand why you couldn’t add a music streaming service to your music. However, I no longer keep a CLZ music collection active so I’m not sure if Music web ports links, but I know the Desktop version has (had?) appropriations for links. Check and see if the music web does too. Good luck.
FYI A screen shot of links for Solo: Star Wars movie ported from Movie Collector to CLZ Cloud, all links work but you need to be logged into the particular streaming service (Apple Tv, Disney+, Movies Anywhere, Fandango) for them to operate the movie, but the other regular links punt right through.
Thanks roybo. Totally agree Links is a very useful function. From a music perspective, however, it falls short when an album is not available on a streaming service - for example, compilation albums from magazines, or custom compilations / mix-tapes.
Good luck.