When thinking of bands that really try new styles, the Red Hot Chili Peppers is one band that never escapes my mind. With their alternative funk they can drive you with a thump from "Flea" or you can slow down to savor the solo of one of their more slow tracks.
Whether it be fast pop or the slow drone coming out of his music career John Mayer has dabbled many genres in his time in the music business, even his latest work a folk album. There's no doubt that he's an influence for musicians of today.
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Where Pearl Jam didn't mess around drastically with their sound, they definitely had an impact on the sound of modern grunge and alternative music we hear today.