Elliott Smith - Pretty (Ugly Before) Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where was the song "Pretty (Ugly Before)" recorded?

   "Pretty (Ugly Before)" was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts by engineer Matthew Ellard, with assistance from Andrew Beckman.

2. Who engineered and assisted in the recording of "Pretty (Ugly Before)?"

   The recording of "Pretty (Ugly Before)" was engineered by Matthew Ellard and assisted by Andrew Beckman.

3. Which unique instrument technique was used in the song "Pretty (Ugly Before)?"

   A Mellotron-like keyboard part during the intro was created using a Casio SK-1 sampler, where the keyboard player Aaron Embry sang one note into it and then spread the sample across the keyboard.

4. What delay pedal was Elliott Smith excited about using for the song?

   Elliott Smith was excited about using the Line 6 delay pedal for the backwards delay effect at the end of the song.

5. How did Elliott Smith record his vocals for "Pretty (Ugly Before)?"

   Elliott Smith recorded his vocals alone in the control room using a Neumann U67 mic while the band and crew were in the adjacent kitchen.

6. Was "Pretty (Ugly Before)" included in any of Elliott Smith's albums?

   Yes, "Pretty (Ugly Before)" was included in Elliott Smith's final studio album, "From a Basement on the Hill," which was released posthumously on October 19, 2004.