Daily Download: "Blame the Vain," Dwight Yoakam

New West Records has been putting together a pretty impressive roster of Americana and country rock artists, including Buddy Miller, Vic Chesnutt, Delbert McClinton and John Hiatt, but the jewel in their crown is Dwight Yoakam. His string of platinum records may be behind him, but he's still one of country music's finest and most consistent artists, and his first record for New West, "Blame the Vain," is splendid throughout. The songs have an appealing sturdiness to them, built to last, but it's Yoakam's voice, understated and modest, but taut with emotion, that really hits hard. I'm thrilled to offer an exclusive free download of the title track. It will be available for a limited time, so download while you can.