what are some music groups whose earlier stuff differs from what

[freepcrusher]

they're known for?

For instance
- Fleetwood Mac under Peter Green had more of a blues sound to it
- BeeGees in the late 60s/early 70s was more similar to something like the moody blues
- Chicago's first three albums had more of a jam band sound

any others?

[muon2]

Compare the folk songs of Simon and Garfunkel with Paul Simon's later fusion with world music reaching its peak with Graceland.

[LLR]

Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd

[This account no longer in use.]

You can't make lists like this without mentioning the Beatles.

[Mike Thick]

I would say Rush fits into that category.

[dead0man]

The Who, Aerosmith...really, most bands that have been around for 25+ years have evolved a bit.  The list that haven't "evolved" a bit is probably shorter.  AC/DC, KISS.....I'm sure there is a few more.

[sportydude]

P!nk
In her early years she was marketed as some kind of feminist rapper.
As from her sophomore album, however, she as been doing great rock music.

Madonna
Her debut music was disgusting 80's sh**t.
Starting with "Papa don't preach" she started to make more serious, listenable songs.
Her last respectable album was "Confessions on a Dance Floor" (2006).
From that point on, however, she began to make "music" designed for certain customers, which completely put the majority of her fans off.

Linkin Park
In the beginning, they made good music by inventing a whole new genre.
But their music became repetitive over the years with Chester's voice changing dramatically, which led to petty mishmash.

Oh yeah. And the Beatles, of course.