Elliott Smith's Pretty (Ugly Before) b/w A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free holds the distinction of being the last recording by Elliott Smith to be released while he was still alive.

Originally released as a single in August 2003, the songs were a part of the recording sessions that would ultimately yield the acclaimed posthumous album From A Basement On The Hill. The two songs serve as a powerful reminder of why Smith became the voice for a dejected generation.