[Repeal The 17th]

The Band” did “The Weight” better - 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFqb1I-hiHE

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Smith’s version was the one on the Easy Rider album.

It’s the only one I know, or care about.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Interesting info at the YouTube page of Smith's "The Weight." I don't know if any of it is true or not...

"The Weight", as originally recorded by The Band for their 1968 debut album 'Music From Big Pink,' was used in the "Easy Rider" film but could not be licensed for the soundtrack. To deal with this, ABC-Dunhill commissioned Smith, who recorded for the label at the time, to record a cover version of the song for the soundtrack album.

I knew about The Band's recording of "The Weight" in 1968, but did not know about the different bands used for version in the film and the soundtrack.

The Smiths version sounds quite close to The Bands version.