Elliot Smith
Pretty (Ugly Before)
(Domino Records 06/12/2004)

Sometimes it is easier selecting which singles a band is going to serenade the public with and in the correct order of release, than it is predicting Eastenders' storylines. However, Elliot Smith's final album (he regrettably passed away in October 2003) "From A Basement On The Hill" that features 15 crisp and compelling numbers, will have made deciding what number to release as a single tougher than

organizing a fair and unbiased election in Ukraine. 'Pretty (Ugly Before)' displays Smith's soothing feel and cutting cogency as well as any track on the album, although there were bolder choices available.

Mind massaging music floats along serenely with Elliot's alluring and laid back vocal style, as he glides through the topics of emotional frailty and expectations of others, with objective poignancy. This offering steadily builds into a memorable four minute plus journey through what was so compelling about Elliot and naturally what will be missed about him; honesty, passion and rhythm.

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David Adair