demetri martin- this guy is probably my favorite pg-13 rated comedian right now, I feel like its kinda bittersweet right now that he has his own Comedy Central special "Important Things with Demetri Martin" because I think its awesome he's getting some major recognition but I'm not a huge fan of the show. Either way, his stand up is awesome and you should all check him out.
zach galifianakis- as opposed to demetri martin who likes to keep his sketches somewhat mild, zach galifianakis is shrewed, crued, and hilarious. What's funny is that both him and demetri martin incorporate music into part of their comedy, bringing a whole new element of complexity to their sketches. Zach plays piano primarily, from what I can tell he likes to get drunk before his stand up; but whatever makes the people laugh.
girl talk- If you haven't heard girl talk then you don't know what a true mash-up artist sounds like. The guy's real name is Gregg Gillis and his day job was a micro engineer until 2007 when he quit to work on his music solely. He has been killing it lately especially with his newest album feed the animals in which he was put on TIME magazines top 10 albums of 2008 at number 4. He also was #24 on Rolling Stones top 50 albums of 2008, he received 4 stars for feed the animals as well. An added bonus for all you semi-nudists at heart; word is that he likes to strip down to nothing but his grape smugglin whitey tighties when hes on stage and everyone gets to go up and dance with him. 
ben harper- this is pretty self explanatory. Ben Harper has a song for any type of situation, whether that is the loss of a friend, or you are just lookin to get high, Ben Harper has a song for you. This year he has a newly made band though, so he will be playing as Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 as opposed to the innocent criminals.
Kings of Leon- this band is pretty much on a fast track to legendary stardum; which is crazy because they've only been around for about 5 years. They are headlining Sasquatch on Saturday and have already put the knotches of touring with the strokes and U2 in their belts. I hadn't heard of them until I saw them on Austin City Limits and thought they were pretty rad. Definitely check them out because a) the sound is there simply from their instruments but b)coupled with the lead singers gritty but melodic voice, they are incredible.
bon iver- what happens when you lock yourself in a wisconsin cabin for the winter with recording equipment? The making of one of the most haunting and beautiful songs I've ever heard, thats what happens. It's pretty sweet how putting two different recordings of the same track on top of each other can create this double voiced man. The question is, how big can he get before he can no longer be called the best kept secret in music? Hopefully a very very long time. As shallow as it sounds, one feels like they are on the inside scoop of music if they know his music. Myself included.
tv on the radio- The best black guys to actually rock out since randy jackson playing bass for journey. Tv on the radio got the nod from SPIN magazine in 2008 when they took the best album of the year award, which was well deserved. Their sound is...hmm, how to say it... it sounds like it is reluctantly contemporary and modern, they have to sound of the present with strong influences of the past in my opinion, an interesting juxtapositioning of sounds.
the decemberists- some of the most interesting and compelling lyrics to hit ol' bippy's ears come from the decemberists, I guess thats to be expected when the writer and lead singer have a masters in creative writing. To be honest I love their old stuff, but not the newer stuff, it seems to major record labelish. But still they are from Oregon so thats a big plus. 
m.ward- not much to say 'cept he just sounds good, plain and simple.
owl city-best known for his song hello seattle, owl city has a lot going for him, ability to make some good music and put a buttery voice on top, mmm. Sounds like the postal service mixed with rainbows and butterflies, sounds like happy electric pop kinda.
