Fenxy

Do films count? Because my brother exposed me to countless Manga VHS releases (including Overfiend, urghh).

As for TV anime, Gundam Wing and Dragonball Z I think. Luckily I saw Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop shortly after and the rest is history.

Sometimes I put cigarettes out on the faces of small children.

(Sometimes I pretend to be a sociopath for fun.)

[Ayu] Baccano! Eps. 1 - 13 (complete) - Bateszi recently explained why.

Dennou Coil (animesuki torrent list) - Excellent write-ups from Martin, Bateszi, Karura and Owen. It really is as good as these lot are saying.

Ghost Hound (animesuke torrent list - I recommend Genjo-Sub's releases) - New Production I.G./Shirow Masamune (remember how well GitS: SAC & 2nd GIG turned out) show, with lots of production staff from Serial Experiments Lain. I've written a few things on it that might be informative.

publicenergy - We get pretty buggered with film releases, eh. I'm desperate for this and Margot at the Wedding, both of which aren't out until next year in the UK. Almost makes you want to find a torrent...

I'd have to say, being the inconspicuous (heh) fanboy I am, my favourite scene is in the second episode of FLCL when Mamini and Naota are on the bridge at night-time and Mamimi is smoking her infamous 'Never Knows Best' cigarette.

Apart from having atmosphere up the bum it proved that FLCL had more to offer than hysterical madness and jawesome fight scenes. If anything, those crazy moments, of which there are many in FLCL, offset the quiet scenes and made them all the more emotional.

I think the reason Mamimi is my favourite character from FLCL is because she's often at the focus of its sadder, more poignant parts. Most of her bits in the final episode are also major favourites of mine for that reason. Plus: nihilist depressive in a school uniform. Take that, irritating anime tropes.

estarla:
Pauley Harvey? Polly Jean Harvey :P White Chalk, her latest album, is amazing nonetheless. I'm envious you got to see her in such a small venue!

Otherwise, Animal Collective/Panda Bear's solo stuff (which I prefer a little to the most recent AC album); Semifinalists; Camera Obscura and My Bloody Valentine because they're reforming/touring next year and I have a ticket to see them. YAS.

Oh, and for those who are into M.I.A., check out Santogold. Completely addicted to her MySpace at the moment; a legitimate release keeps to come out ASAP before I overdose.

Ditto on PBF and Dinosaur Comics, but mainly Achewood. Surprised no one mentioned that one.

FLCL is always a recommendation, though it doesn't really fall within the shonen confines you mentioned. Last Exile is solid with lots of action and depth if you choose to look that far. The two Ghost in the Shell TV series (Sand Alone Complex and 2ndGIG) also offer lots substance and sophistication, as well as amazing production values. I can only recommend more seinen stuff as that's what I know and love. The aforementioned shows are worth a look even if you prefer Naruto-like series. They might broaden your horizons a bit.