Written by: Geoff Tischman

Elvis Costello played three nights at the Capitol Theatre last week and I caught the final show of his run there.

The three-show stand was a rare treat and because the legendary singer pulled out of a series of Las Vegas at the Wynn Hotel, he was able to extend his New York visit.

And what a visit it was.

The London-born singer tore through an opening set that included well-worn classics (“Watching The Detectives”), deep cuts (“Deep Dark Truthful Mirror), fan favorites (“Green Shirt”) and straight-up punk blazers (“Mystery Dance”).

Costello closed the set with “Waiting For The End Of The World” and a thoughtful reading of Blood and Chocolate’s “I Want You.”

Filled with energy, the 63-year-old singer/songwriter’s encore was sheer blazing perfection.

“Pump It Up” and “Beyond Belief” were utterly perfect, and “Accidents Will Happen” along with “Veronica” were energetic blasts of utter pop majesty.

SETLIST

1. Wonder Woman
2. Girls Talk
3. You Belong to Me
4. Mystery Dance
5. This Is Hell
6. Come the Meantimes
7. Green Shirt
8. Watching the Detectives
9. Motel Matches
10. Baby It’s You
11. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror
12. (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
13. Waiting For The End Of The World
14. I Want You

Encore

1. Alison
2. A Face In The Crowd
3. Blood and Hot Sauce
4. Accidents Will Happen
5. Almost Blue
6. Veronica
7. You Shouldn’t Look At Me That Way
8. Welcome To The Working Week
9. Beyond Belief
10. Blue Chair
11. Tear Off Your Own Head (It’s A Doll Revolution)
12. Man Out Of Time
13. Every Day I Write The Book
14. Pump It Up
15. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding