So I figured this would be an interesting point of discussion. I think a thread about non-chip related music influences in our own chipmusic would be fun and enlightening...plus who doesn't like to gab about the music they're into, right?
I'll start with just two:
Glitch Mob and Opeth
For both (even though one is electronic and the other progressive death metal) I love the unique sounds, Interesting rhythms and the feeling that the progression of the song could change radically at any moment. Especially in Opeth, following a chord or melody progression say in 4/4 time, instead of the fourth phrase repeating the previous three or being only slightly different, the song completely throws you off guard by changing it radically while still actually fitting with the feel of the song overall. Also in regards to Opeth, the complex melodies and dissonant sounds that wouldn't fit at ALL in other songs really makes me appreciate his music composition. His sad, meaningful, and poetic lyrics (that aren't in the least corny unlike many "melancholy" songs) also are a huge interest of mine.
Example:
Opeth, The Drapery Falls - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvLn8j4c5l4
The first two verses have the same exact feel and melody, but the second one at the very end throws you for a loop when he unexpectedly cuts it off to sing something different (2:17-4:30)