Patti Smith is to release her spoken-word performances of ‘The Coral Sea’, which feature My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields, on July 11th.

Smith’s performances, a tribute to her close friend, the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, were recorded in London on June 22nd 2005 and September 12th 2006.

‘The Coral Sea’ is also the name of a 1996 book that Smith released containing poetry and prose.

It’s not yet clear whether Smith and Shields plan to perform any of the material again to coincide with the release.

As previously reported, Smith is expected to feature on Patrick Wolf's second album later this year.

(by Jason Gregory)