Reason # 3267 Why I love the Internet

So…
I was having this conversation about the 35th anniversary special edition DVD release of “Easy Rider”. The DVD comes with a CD “songtrack” from the movie, not the actual soundtrack (which is 2 CD’s full of goodness) but an 8 tune collection of the essential tunes (some of which aren’t on the soundtrack).
I was puzzled by this song:

Smith - The Weight

Yes, “The Weight” AKA, The Cingular Wireless song (If you’re unsure on my opinion of such matters this post from Dec. 5, 2004 should clear make it abundantly clear).
I could have sworn I remembered it being The Band’s original version in the film.

Gentlemen, start your search engines!
I discovered here that my recollection was correct, that it is, in fact, The Band’s version in the film, but that they refused permission to be included on the soundtrack album, thus it was recorded by this elusive “Smith” character (I’ve yet to find out who, exactly, this is; perhaps when I purchase the DVD all will become clear).

Anyway, here’s where the tale takes a turn for the surreal. I also came across a page by Paul Fleming, no, not the Paul Fleming I went to high school with, whom my wife married after divorcing me… a different one! This Paul Fleming lives in Canada, is not married to my ex-wife, and in addition to being a lawyer and musician, is quite a gifted painter. I immediately fell in love with several of his watercolors, specifically this one of Levon Helm (of The Band) playing a mandolin.

Oh what a World Wide Web we weave… or something.