Fundraising team 7-Inches For Planned Parenthood continues to announce tracks for its upcoming box set, with all proceeds going to the titular women’s health organization. The group previously tapped Chvrches, John Legend, St. Vincent, and Zach Galifianakis to build enthusiasm for its efforts; now, it’s reaching back into the distant archives, offering up an unreleased live track from the late Elliott Smith.
Recorded at Los Angeles’ Largo nightclub, the track is apparently the first version of Smith’s final single, “Pretty (Ugly Before)” that he ever played live. (According to a note from the club’s owner, Mark Flanagan, Smith came into the club with the song in his head one night, and ended up performing it, with help from Jon Brion, right before a Janeane Garafalo set.) Flanagan apparently dug the cassette out of his massive collection, and worked with Smith’s sister, Ashley, to help get the music to the 7-Inches project.
Representatives for Smith’s estate issued a statement with today’s release, asserting that the artist, who died in 2003, would have been honored to be included in efforts to keep Planned Parenthood’s lights on in difficult times. “Elliott’s family has no doubt that he would feel very proud to be part of this project,” the statement concludes.
You can listen to the new track on Apple Music or Spotify, and pre-order the 7-Inches For Planned Parenthood vinyl collection right here.