Genre schmenre – the best music can’t be easily put in a box.

Owen Pallett, "Song for Five & Six"

Owen Pallett’s In Conflict is one of the best records to come out in 2014, in part because it’s so singular and difficult to classify. Pallett, a Canadian composer best known for his collaborations with Arcade Fire, makes music that falls somewhere in the space between art rock, modern classical, and singer-songwriter fare.

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18+, "Crow"

The male/female duo 18+ sound like a minimalist hip-hop version of the xx, but whereas that band is all about conveying a feeling of sexy intimacy, 18+ are more into projecting the sense that they're totally into sex, but anxious about intimacy.

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Sinkane, "Hold Tight"

Ahmed Gallab's music feels instantly cozy and familiar while putting together a lot of musical elements – country guitar, modern R&B, classic soul, '70s rock – in a way that's unlike anything else out there.

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Caribou, "Can't Do Without You"

Dan Snaith has been recording as Caribou for a long while now, and has always made music that falls somewhere in the space between psychedelia, funk, and dance music. "Can't Do Without You" doesn't fit into any particular category, but is exceptionally good at evoking the feeling of being a little overwhelmed by love and lust.

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