New new music!

It's time for me to spread my musical wings a bit more and find more music. Tell me your favorite new artist of the past year and suggest an album to me. I don't want old favorites, i want to hear who you found in the past year that was new (to you) and fantastic.

What's my part in this? I'll buy/listen[1] to your recommendations and give back my thoughts on them - who knows, maybe i'll find some new favorite music as well in this! :)

[1] my bank account is already quivering in fear
[2] please to not be suggesting $100 album collections, kthx

ETA: For laughs, find me on last.fm