Not bands as such, I've decided to list music artists that have changed the way I think and feel through their music and songwriting...in no particular order:
John Lennon, Paul Weller, Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Bob Mould (Husker Du, Sugar), Billy Bragg, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Prince, James Mercer (The Shins), Pete Townsend, Shane McGowan, Colin Meloy (The Decemberists), Graham Parker, Andy Partridge (XTC), Donald ***an (Steely Dan), Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) David Bowie.
Ah forgot about MacGowan, what a genius! The Pogues were a great band
still good luck to them.