For the Dude - these guys were important

as they seemed to allow 

to come shining through

There seemed to have this underlying spirit 

and the writing was about subject matter

that was interesting and

of course  - there was passion.

“The Weight” for example

as featured in the film "Easy Rider"

carried an almost spiritual message to it

and it seemed to make a comment on Life itself

Also see 1978 Sep 07 (Easy Rider)

is almost like a historical document.

Levon Helm vocal outstanding.

Even how they made they records was different

They would lock themselves away in the country

throw away the clock and just go for it 

No distractions No boundaries 

A skeptic would focus on the negative aspects of the Bands story

But what the Dude chooses to hold onto

was the youth part of their time together

you can see it in the photos

and hear it in the music..