Need ideas for CD songs inventory

Subject: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: nancyjo
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 05:54 PM

I don't want to reinvent the wheel if someone has invented it for me.

I want to create an inventory of the songs I have on CD (I'll do vinyl and tape in the futue, if ever). I'm starting with just my cowboy songs. Sometimes I read a request for lyrics and find out way after the fact that I had the song on a CD. Has anyone discovered any software for this? Or I can do it in EXCEL if I can figure out how I want to set it up - probably something with auto-filter.

I'd like to "catalog" the song title, CD title, and artist. I'm not going to worry about composer at this point.

I'll be grateful for any ideas, especially from someone who has done it.

TIA
nancyjo

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:08 PM

.... and I want to know how to print the directory of files/songfiles in a folder.

???

Windows XP.

~S~

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:49 PM

nancyjo,

I use MS Acess for exactly the same purpose you have in mind, but Excel will do the job if you are more comfortable with it. Just remember that Excel limits you to 65535 records per worksheet, assuming one row for column headers.

I actually have two MS Access databases. One for commercial recordings, one for my own field recordings.

The master table of the commercial recordings database has the following fields (columns if you are using Excel).

Note that each record of the table (row in Excel) represents a single item on a recording, NOT an entire recording.

1. Selection Title
2. Alt Title 1
3. Alt Title 2
Three fields for title? Fiddle tunes often have several different names. I'll use the name given it by the performer, but mention other names I am familiar with.

4. Location Title - The full name of the recording exactly as it appears on the recording
5. Location Unique ID - the reference number of the recording exactly as it appears on the recording
6. Location Format - I have tapes, CDs, and LPs.
7. Side - if your collection includes tapes and LPs
8. Track #

9. Main Artist
10. Artist Name to Sort On
Two fields for artist?
The "main artist" field might hold the name of a person, a group, a band.
This field contains the full name exactly as it appears on the recording.
The "main artist" field is not particularly useful for sorting, which is VERY useful. So the "Artist name to sort on" field is also included. For example, if the "main artist" field contains Mike Seeger, the "Artist name to sort on will contain" "Seeger Mike".

11. Song?
12. Instrumental?
boolean fields

13. Main Instrument
14. Category
15. Comments

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Blackcatter
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:19 PM

I agree, Excel or Acess are really all you need. What you're looking at is a quite simple database with possibly thousands of entries. Whatever you're comfortable with would be best. If you don't know either, buy a book or ask a friend who knows the programs.

My music files are in Excel, and it's at least a 4th generation filing system. Started out with a pre-Windows simple database program (freeware circa 1985), moved up to Lotus 1-2-3 for Dos, moved up to Quattro-Pro and eventually Excel. I have over 30,000 records and all is fine. Use the same thing for my historical files and my books. Very simple and uncomplicated. The hardest part is imput. Pay a teen to do it for you!

Good luck.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:07 PM

WYSIWYG - if you're talking about simply making a list of the filenames in a folder, the simplest way to "print" them is to redirect a DOS "DIR" to a text file, and then open it in your word processor.

Click "START" and select "Run"
Type "Command" and hit Enter. This opens a DOS window.
Navigate to the folder you want to list ("CD \mydocs" or the like)
Typed "DIR *.*/S > list.txt" and hit enter.

The DIR command creates the list of files. The /S includes subdirectories in the list. The ">" redirects the list to the text file named list.txt.

Type "Exit" and hit Enter to close the DOS window, and then open the file list.txt in your WP.

There are a number of "switches" you can use with the DIR command to clean up what you get in the list and to change the way the list is sorted, but what's available depends on what DOS version you've got. If you type DIR or DIR/? in the DOS window, it should give you a list of what's available on your machine.

John

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:34 PM

There is a relatively inexpensive program available called CD Runner that is a combination of a CD/MP3 player, CD ripper, and a database.    Their website is www.cdrunner.net
The website places their emphasis on the numerous features of the CD player, but for me the best part is their database capabilities. The program will allow you to everything that you asked for nancyjo,and more.

The program, CD Runner, connects with a database available on the site www.freedb.org. The website claims that there are 71849 (as of today) CD's in database that are listed as "folk". There are over 1 million CD's in the database.

With the combination of CD Runner and Freedb.org, you simply load a CD into your computer hardrive and then your PC will connect with the site. If your CD is in the database, the CD Runner program will automatically call up the information and you then have the option of adding it to your own personal database (which you keep on your computer).   You can also add your own information, such as a library location number, additional information such as lyrics or your own notes, and user defined catagories. You can also print labels and other neat things.

If your CD is in the database, you will have the info stored in your own database in a matter of seconds.   If the CD doesn't exist in the database, you can add it. Depending on your typing skills, it won't take long at all.

You will be able to search for songs, artists, album titles, and even lyrics(assuming you enter them).   It is a fun program to use.

Because of my radio program, I have several thousand CD's as well as hundreds of LP's and I don't want to begin counting my personal tapes.    I started using CD Runner and very quickly entered over 500 CD's.   My problem has been one of time constraints, and I have not updated the files in well over two years and most of my library remains uncataloged.   If you have a managable collection, I think you will find this to be a good program. If you have a collection of larger size, I think you will find it very valuable - but I hope you have more time on your hands than I do. As Blackcatter suggested, it may be a great idea to hire someone!

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 10:47 AM

Thanks JiK. I'll see if I can follow that. No way to do it in Windows, then?

On a CD database-- suggest you also check with IvanB. He has a wealth of info on such.

~S~

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 11:13 AM

I forgot to mention that the program I described, CD Runner, will also allow you to print a catalog in a variety of arrangements.

I have no connection with the company that makes the software. Their program costs under $20, much cheaper than the time it would take to devise a program that wouldn't have many of the same features.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 11:31 AM

JiK--

I got to the DOS window, I could get as far as C... then it didn't seem to recognize anything except cd\windows.

Where I need to go, apparently, is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Susan\Desktop

I did not get there via:

CD\C:\Documents and Settings\Susan\Desktop

"Too many parameters"

What am I doing wrong? Do I need shorter folder names?

~S~

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 12:30 PM

for an easy to use, simple directory printer http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptdirprn.asp

for a catalog program for CDs, scroll to Discomania

or scroll to MusicDB

all free, of course..

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 12:38 PM

WYSIWYG -

Sometimes its easier to navigate one step at a time in DOS.

The command window will probably open showing you in C:\windows or in C:\Documents and Settings.

You should be able to use CD \Documents and Settings\Susan\Desktop for the command to get there, but often the "long file names" don't get through.

In XP, it's common for your DIR command to be preset to show you "long file names," but you can't necessarily use them to navigate.

If you use "CD \" it should take you to C:\

You can then use "DIR" to get a list of the first level folders, but if it shows only the "long names" it's not helpful. You need to use "Dir /-N" to list the DOS names of the folders. The "/-N" turns off the long name display, so you you can see the "real" DOS folder names. As an alternative, you can use "DIR /X" to display only the DOS names.

You'll probably see "Documents and Settings" as something like "DOCU~1". Use whatever it shows in a "CD DOCU~1" command and then repeat the DIR /-N or DIR /X to find the next level.

(Note that the next time you open Command and do a "DIR /X" it may be something different. The DOS names are updated constantly as files are added, moved, and deleted in "new" Windows.)

Once you get to the folder you want, you probably will want the long file names, so just use DIR *.* /s > filename.txt to get your list.

Sorry, I forgot about this little quirk in the newer Windows Command. It's one (of several) of the reasons I don't use the "My Documents" setup. I create a folder on C:\ with a "DOS legal" filename, and put all my documents there, using DOS sub-folder names as much as possible, and don't see this problem very often.

I don't know of a way to get a folder listing, as text, directly in Windows. For a very short listing, I've used Alt-PrtScr to capture a screen shot from Explorer, paste it in Word, and then just "re-type" from the picture. I've tried cropping the screen shot and running it through my OCR, but the 72dpi you get with a screen shot doesn't usually come though very accurately.

I've been complaining to Mickey about the lack of a list output since Win3.0, but they haven't come up with an answer (that I've seen) yet.

John

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 01:37 PM

God bless you Bill D!

Well, you know what I mean! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: NicoleC
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 04:02 PM

Quickie solution, Susan, if you don't care what it looks like:

Open the folder in Woindows Explorer. Switch the view to list.
Hit "PrtScn" (Or Print Screen, if it's spelled out on your keyboard.
Open Paint
Hit Ctrl-V

You now have a "picture" of your file folder (and everything else on the screen. You can print our. Depending on your screen resolution, this can get ugly. Use the Print Preview function and only print the pages with what you want on them.

NancyJo, if you go to Downloads.com you will probably find several CD catalog databases. If you don't find one you like, you can build your own in Access or Filemaker or whatever database program you have handy. If building from scratch, though, I suggest using a relational database structure (i.e. multiple tables linked together), which can eliminate a LOT of duplicate typing and will be more powerful to search and easier to cross-index.

If the above paragraph is making your eyes glaze over, PM me and tell me the database program you are using. I can whip together a mock-up you can then customize to your heart's content.

Hmmm... I bet there isn't a ready-built CD/Song database program out there that is folk friendly (so many artists... one song... so may songs with one name). Work gets slow around the holidays; maybe I'll work on one.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 04:10 PM

I forgot the link in my original post - www.cdrunner.com

Check it out. They have a free demo download, the full sofware is only $14.95. It is very "folk friendly".

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 05:00 PM

yes, Susan..*smile*, I know...and if 'blessings' can be translated to good wishes and happiness, then I'll take all I can get!

Nicole...
"...a ready-built CD/Song database program out there that is folk friendly "

this one will read the MP3 tag, if there is one, for the type of music...or allow you to edit the tag to put it in any category you wish. I hope that is what you mean, Nicole...
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dbpoweramp.htm

    * Crossfader - fades old tracks out whilst fading in new, just like having a DJ. Gapless playback, remove silence between audio tracks.
    * Visualizations (Spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope), advanced and varied Skins,
    * On Screen Mini Controls - take control of dAP, anytime anywhere,
    * Built-in Music Collection database, Track Preference Playback - your favorite tracks are played the most!
    * Small and fast - modularized: only components use are loaded,
    * Selective Playback - listen to the tracks you want to hear.
    * ID Tag editor - edit Artist, Track information,
    * Auto Volume Normalization - no more fiddling with the volume knob, all your tracks will be the same volume,
    * Playlist Editor, most played, newest and previously played,
    * Quality Graphic Equalizer (16384 order filter) - digitally enhance your music,
    * Widest codecs available, plays practically every audio type (by default dAP plays Wave, Audio CDs, Mp3, Ogg & Midi).
    * 100% Free no nags, pop-ups, hidden spy or bundle-ware.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 05:12 PM

Addend to Nicole's note: If you use Alt-PrtScn you copy only the "active window." If you use PrtScn alone, you get everything on the screen.

If you use the "Alt" key with the Print Screen key, you'll get only the Explorer stuff - if that's what you have up.

I usually just paste (Ctl-V) screen shots directly into Word, since it's easier to "translate" things to text and make notes there.

When you paste a screen shot, of course it's a graphic. A little playing around with the graphics toolbar (in Word) will let you resize, relocate, flow text around the pic, crop, and such to make something that's more usable (sometimes) than the first paste image. For simple image editing, the graphics toolbar in Word is about as good as what you get in the simple picture programs like Paint.

John

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: wysiwyg
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 05:28 PM

Yes, but nothing beats text!

~S~

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 05:51 PM

here I go again...*grin*..(it's the day for add-on programs, I guess) for a really neat and useful FREE way to do screen captures, try MWSnap

..it has lots of features not available in Windows 'plain vanilla'...you can crop in various ways and do hotkeys..etc...lots more..

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:13 PM

Access - 4 tables
ARTIST
RECORDING
SONG
RECORDED SONG BY ARTIST (joined on previous 3)

Gives you full retrieval to find any combination of performer, recording and song.

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:25 PM

for those who don't HAVE Access, and want a simple, but useful database that is not connected to a music player like dbPowerAmp...

Little Lists

"Little Lists for Windows
Database, lists and labels for home or business

This is a database program designed for users who want to keep things simple. You can create exactly the kind of list you want, without any prior knowledge of programming or database systems. Add, view, and change records, browse through the list, print a columnar report, envelopes or labels including only the information you want, sort the records any way you like, add and change data fields. Simple math functions are also included. Because it can import/export from dBase-compatible files as well as ASCII-delimited files, Little Lists can be used to view and manipulate data files created by many other programs.

This FREE program requires Windows 95/98 or better. You may need a free registration code for continued use. "

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:37 PM

WYSIWYG - I use a File Manager programme called Directory Opus. It is, atit's simplest a replacement for the Windows File Manager(Windows Explorer - or whatever it calls itself). product which will print out a list of the contents of a directory


Tucows Download
GP Software

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From: nancyjo
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 09:42 PM

This is a belated thanks for everyone who responded to my plea. I really appreciate all the ideas. Thank you so much, all of you.

nancyjo

Subject: RE: Need ideas for CD songs inventory
From:
Date: 08 Dec 03 - 11:00 PM

So, what did you come up with in the end, NancyJo?