Patti Smith’s June 22, 2005, and Sept. 12, 2006, spoken-word performances of “The Coral Sea” in London, featuring guitar backing by My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields, will be released July 11 on the pair’s PASK imprint.
The double-disc set comprises Smith’s verbal tribute to her close friend, the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. “The Coral Sea” is also the title of a 1996 Smith book of prose and poetry.
According to a spokesperson, Smith and Shields both participated in the preparation of the recordings, but it is unknown if they plan to stage “The Coral Sea” again at some point.
As reported earlier this week, My Bloody Valentine will play its first U.S. show in 16 years as part of the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival, set for Sept. 19-21 in Monticello, N.Y. Built To Spill, Tortoise, the Meat Puppets, Polvo and Shellac are also on the bill.
