Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
We're Giving James Murphy's Espresso Blend Coffee An 8.9
By
Scott Heins
Published Feb 27, 2014
Modified Feb 27, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Scott Heins/Gothamist
By
Scott Heins
Published Feb 27, 2014
Modified Feb 27, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
After pulling the plug on the best dance band of the 21st century, James Murphy has kept a relatively low creative profile. His vision of opening a Williamsburg store featuring sneakers, luggage, Dutch candy, and socks has yet to materialize, and a forthcoming subway sounds remix is still in pre-production. But two years ago the avant-disco auteur also said he was trading his Soundsystem for a groundsystem and planned to roll out a signature line of single-origin espresso. He's now made good on that promise, with (mostly) sublime results.
Murphy collaborated with Blue Bottle's own James Freeman on the new coffee release, calling it House of Good. Those new to the indie espresso scene will appreciate its light roast profile, while older fans who sipped their first americanos to Television LPs are sure to relish in the heavy low-end present in every drop.
With a nod to the experimental art-roasting techniques pioneered by David Byrne and Brian Eno in the early 80s, Murphy's work explores familiar dance ideas in a new coffee context. Tones of tart fruit, toffee, and a Korg sq10 modular sequencer ring loud and clear. Is this the syncopated future of cafe culture? You be the judge, but keep in mind this is a coffee meant to be sipped out of headphones.
(Scott Heins/Gothamist)
Of course in today's Soundcloud remix culture, it will likely only take days before Murphy's work is remade into uptempo minimalist macchiatos or derivative latte pop by hordes of Brooklynites who own both Ableton and an Aeropress. That's just how things go. Murphy recently told Rolling Stone that he and Freeman approached the project with the goal of "a very neutral espresso with really intense elements," adding "it should be very friendly." Our only question: is it too friendly? Murphy's vibe-happy blend could perhaps benefit from a splash of bitter dissonance, a burst of Cafe Grumpy feedback to balance out its Oslo-influenced amiability.
If you're never as tired as when you're waking up, then you'd be wise to make it down to the new Dean street Blue Bottle for a double shot. The coffee isn't even bitter. Because, what's the difference?
Tagged
coffee
espresso. blue bottle
James Murphy
lcd soundsystem
original
Scott Heins
Scott Heins is a freelance photo and video journalist based in New York City, and a frequent contributor to Gothamist + WNYC. His work often centers around labor rights, housing, and policing. In 2018-2019 he traveled to four states while covering a wave of public school teachers strikes, with work featured in The New York Times, The Intercept, Getty Images, Splinter, and Bloomberg Photos. Scott is a dues-paying member of the National Writers Union's Freelance Solidarity Project.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .