The song features (post-bridge) backing vocals from Smith's former Heatmiser bandmate Sam Coomes.

[1] It was re-released in 2004 by record label Domino, reaching number 85 in the UK Singles Chart,[2] and appeared on Smith's posthumous final album, From a Basement on the Hill.

"Pretty (Ugly Before)" was recorded at Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by engineer Matthew Ellard and assisted by Andrew Beckman, while Elliott was on tour with his band.

"I remember scrambling around trying to find a combination of adapters that would allow us to get a mini sized output from the Casio into our Neve 8078 console.

Smith recorded his vocals alone in the control room on a Neumann U67 mic while the band and crew enjoyed a dinner in the adjacent kitchen.