Why is it that country music has such a stigma? Even people with very, very dubious tastes in music still turn their noses up at the mention of slide guitar and that unmistakable twang. Is it the unavoidable connection with those damn rednecks? Is it because, although Dolly Parton is brilliant, deep down we’re all just waiting for her to topple over backwards?Well, whatever it is, aside from the very odd exception (and I’m talking Johnny Cash not Shania Twain here), country music is, on the whole, dull, cheesy and formulaic. And sadly, The Weight aren’t here to change your mind.Are Men is ten tracks of unadulterated, unashamed, thigh-slapping, grass-chewing bluesy, country music. And if that wasn’t stereotypical enough, there’s even a track called ‘Hillbilly Highway’.I could go into detail, but I’d just be telling you what you already know. Yes The Weight’s lyrics are about women who don’t cook his dinner or iron his shirts, yes the lead singer has that accent, yes there’s slide guitar, a delightful Hammond Organ, and one of those walking bass lines.As country music goes, this is probably some of the better stuff. Granted, it’s fairly repetitive, but at least they sound genuinely sincere about what they’re singing, the instruments are played to a high standard, and The Weight are generally good at what they do.It’s just a shame most of the world won’t want to listen to it. 25%Links The Weight [myspace]