The country is in tough economic times right now, so every week we try to bring you a free download to add to the iTunes library. Last week was newcomer from Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records, Zee Avi, and this week we have another cool name you've probably never heard of.

Ben Nichols, frontman of the Memphis-based outfit Lucero which can best be described as Harley Davidson fueled alternative-country, has a solo release that we think is worth you're bandwith. Nichols has this awesome voice that has defined Lucero's sound since 2001. It is gravely and dark, the audible translation of a man who has spent a lot of time driving on empty back road highways. The band has released six albums and is constantly on stage (150-200 shows a year). They recently signed a four album deal with Universal Media Group with their first major label release coming summer of 2009. 

While Lucero can provide some stellar biker bar tunes, Nichols' solo debut The Last Pale Light in the West has a really cool sound that you're either going to love or hate. I've been a fan of Lucero since I heard their song "Bikeriders" on a road trip out west a couple years ago, and if you've never heard of the band before this track will give you a good idea of whether their for you. The free download we found is the title track "The Last Pale Light in the West". The song features Nichols' awesome lyrical infliction over an acoustic guitar and an accordion. I've listened to it a couple times thru now, each time I feel like I'm sitting at a truck stop diner watching the sun go down and wondering where the past ten years of my life went. 

Personally - I dug the track, but your style is probably different than mine. But don't knock it 'til you try it, so click the link and download some new music. If you like the song, we suggest picking up The Last Pale Light in the West LP when it hits stores this January and find some old Lucero tunes like "Bikeriders", "My Best Girl", "Nights Like These", or "Drink 'Til We're Gone". 

Get the download here - RcrdLbl.com