iTunes: Imitation is the Sincerest.....

Not too long ago, Ostrowe released his Top 25 most played songs on iTunes. I thought this was a cool idea, so I am stealing it. Now, I will not try to pretend I have Ostrowe's musical prowess (my mom will be the first to tell you, I am musically retarded), regardless this will be a fun exercise. Feel free to mock me at every turn.

25. Makedamnsure - Taking Back Sunday (36)
I love emo music. I'm not going to lie. The songs are passionate, somewhat misguided and usually hilarious to me. This song has a great hook which will make you bob your head and reaches the borders of Screamo without crossing into the dark side.
One Line That Instantly Made Me A Fan Of The Song: You are everything I want, because you are everything I'm not

24. Amazed - Lonestar (36)
The first of a bunch of sappy love songs which I am not afraid to admit I like listening to. I first heard this song in high school and literally hoped and hoped that Valentine's Day would come around and I would have someone to listen to the song with. After a few years, I decided to save the song for the right girl. Then Tara came along and the song become associated with her.
OLTIMMAFOTS: Don't know how you do what you do. I'm so in love with you. It just keeps getting better.

23. I Can Barely Breathe - Just Surrender (36)
I first heard Just Surrender in January of 2007 when I discovered Pandora. It's one of those songs that is catchy and is the opposite of how I feel so it is fun to listen to.
OLTIMMAFOTS: Stand on top of the rooftops wondering, is it really good for jumping

22. When I'm With You - Faber Drive (36)
I almost left this song of the list on purpose, but that would not have been very honest. I have never heard anyone talk about Faber Drive and I wanted to keep it that way since this is a great rock love song. Especially for long distance relationships
OLTIMMAFOTS: When I'm with you, I'll make every second count, 'cause I miss you, whenever you're not around

21. Dream is Over - Finding Westerly (36)
Another song that simply has a great hook. When I am driving and this song comes on, my speed goes up by 10 MPH. It's about breaking up, but not every song is supposed to have a personal meaning.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I want this so badly, so much you'll never even know. This is my last goodbye

20. How I Spent My Summer Vacation - The Ataris (36)
The Ataris would probably qualify as my favorite band, I've been listening to them since 2000. Even though they only have two songs in the top 25, they have 20 songs in the top 100. It a great song because it starts off and you think it's about just going with the flow and loving life, but then it turns into a vengeful song about girls. Right in emo Nick's wheelhouse.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I'm still waiting for the world to come crashing down again. I'm still waiting for some one, to call me up and tell me your dead.

19. Farewell to Friends - Matchbook Romance (37)
Hat-tip to Erik for giving me a Matchbook Romance CD for Christmas in 2003. Since then I have been hooked. This song is in the "Songs to Use in a Unwanted Break-up" pile
OLTIMMAFOTS: I'd walk a thousand miles I'd swim across the sea What do I have to do, please just tell me

18. I Miss You - Incubus (37)
Incubus is awesome. And this was another song I listened to waiting for the right person for it to apply to. Hat-Tip #2 to Tara.
OLTIMMAFOTS: To see you when I wake up. Is a gift I didn't think could be real.

17. What It Is To Burn - Finch (37)
Another band I stumbled across accidentally. This song will also get you going. But to be honest I have never tried to understand the lyrics. I would listen to this song while snowboarding and instantly be amped up and mello'd out on the mountain at the same time.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I walk these lines of Blasphemy everyday. (Anyone who uses the word blasphemy in a song is ok in my book)

16. Good Morning Beautiful - Lonestar (38)
Now realizing that the only two Lonestar songs I have are in the top 25 is making me feel a little Macy's. I heard this song for the first time while driving my mom down to Virginia and instantly thought of you know who. It has since become the way I start Tara's day and the subject of ridicule.
OLTIMMAFOTS: Good morning beautiful, how was your night? Mine was wonderful with you by my side

15. Amazing Because It Is - The Almost (38)
Never would have thought this song would ever crack the top 25 let alone the top 500 the first time it ever came on in my car. The beginning lulls you into a false sense of security, the choir kicks in around 2:40. Then at the 3:00 mark it gets cranked up a notch and turns a church song into a pretty cool song.
OLTIMMAFOTS: Drums at the 3:00 Mark

14. Fascinating New Thing - Semisonic (39)
I was surprised to see this song in the top 25, but upon further review it has a lot going for it. It was featured in Ten Things I Hate About You, a chick flick, that guys won't hesitate to say they love, which stars a recently deceased Hollywood star. It also reminds me of Tara since we saw the movie on TV 900 times one weekend.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I'm surprised that you've never been told before, that your lovely and your perfect and that somebody wants you.

13. I Won't Spend Another Night Alone - The Ataris (39)
The Ataris return with this great high energy song about being in love with a girl. And when you have someone to sing it about it is great to sing along to.
OLTIMMAFOTS: The things you make me wanna do. I'd rob a quik-e-mart for you. I'd go to the pound and let all the cats go free. Just as long as you'd be with me.

12. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (40)
Sorry, but this is another Tara song. She sent it to me after we had been dating a few months and it basically sums up what you want to do when college life gets a little hectic.
OLTIMMAFOTS: If I just lay here. Would you lie with me and just forget the world.

11. All The Same - Sick Puppies (40)
28MM views can't be wrong. This song was featured in YouTubes most inspirational video of 2007. Just a great fucking song, and it must be since I cursed. Try not to smile during that video.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I don't mind, I don't care, as long as you're here

10. Definitely Maybe - FM Static (40)
I listen to this song a lot because the first line is "I met a girl named Tara"
OLTIMMAFOTS: See above

9. Caught in the Sun - Course of Nature (40)
I first heard this song during the 2002 World Cup Promos on ESPN. Lyrics websites weren't as solid as they are now, so when I finally found the song on Kazaa it was labeled as "What if I miss you - Artist" for 5 years.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I'd give anything just to hear your voice

8. I Can Wait Forever - Simple Plan (40)
This song ALSO reminds me of Tara. I love finding rock/punk/emo songs about being in love. The best is when I hear them at work and stop everything I am doing and just listen. I'd postpone lunch to listen to any song in this category.
OLTIMMAFOTS: When you call my heart stops beating, when your gone it won't stop bleeding.

7. Overrated - Jak Paris (41)
If you hated the "popular" kids in high school, this song is for you.
OLTIMMAFOTS: Used to be so hesitant, now I am the president of the geek squad that kicked you ass to the curb

6. If All Else Fails - Matchbook Romance (42)
Another Tara song. There is not much to this song, except for the OLTIMMAFOTS, but it so perfect makes a long distance, feel like a short one. Also it reminds me of An American Tale and I loved that movie as a kid.
OLTIMMAFOTS: If all else fails, you can look up at the sky because it's the same one that shines above you and I. And if all else fails you can close your eyes and I'll be right besides you

5. Jersey Rae - All Time Low (44)
Great upbeat punk song with solid lyrics. I especially like the part that backs off a hair, before returning to normal. Any song that changes pace and tempo I am a big fan of. Please don't watch this YouTube video I was forced to use. Very Lame.
OLTIMMAFOTS: I've never told a lie, and that makes me a liar, I've never made a bet, but we gamble with desire, I've never lit a match, with intent to start a fire, but recently the flames, are getting out of control.

4. And My Name is Dignan, So What - Day at the Fair (46)
Never heard of Day at the Fair. Good. That is how I like it. Also sneaks in subtle angry emo lyrics. That is hard to do.
OLTIMMAFOTS: (tie) They'll wonder how good it can get... Much better than this.
I hear from your friends you're still alive, I guess I wasted those wishes on nothing

3. Fever Dream - Tyler Bates (48)
A pure instrumental song from the movie the 300. Will get you adequately pumped up and plus, everyone needs a song on their iPod that will make you want to kill a butt load of Persians.
OLTIMMAFOTS: N/A

2. Bittersweet - Radio Racer (54)
Another product of the Pandora Music Genome Project. I love this song. And at this point I should probably go to bed so I could put more thought into why I love this song, but instead I will just ramble for a bit leading you to believe this is going somewhere. Being your own editor is cool.
OLTIMMAFOTS: You cut me off But you've got nothing to show for I took the fall But it wasn't enough

1. Far Away - Nickelback (85)
During the summer of 2006 Tara and I both made CDs featuring songs that would hopefully drop subtle hints to the other person about our true feelings. We played the CDs for each other on the night of July 29, 2006, and this was the song (one Tara played) that was playing when we had our first kiss. Hence the run away victory.

There is the list and the final tally reveals that 13 of my top 25 played songs remind me of Tara. Yup, that sounds about right.
Commence ragging.