Kirin J Callinan, The Homosexual | COVERS

In the 30^th edition of COVERS (2025), Kirin J Callinan delivers a compelling rendition of “The Homosexual,” originally performed by Momus.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 30^th  edition of COVERS (2025), Kirin J Callinan delivers a compelling rendition of “The Homosexual”, originally performed by Momus.

“I’ll make them sing notes of pleasure / Their husbands will never hear.” And why, Kirin J Callinan (Kieran John Callinan), won’t their husbands hear them? Because he’s sleeping with them, of course.  Those lyrics hail from “The Homosexual”, the second track from the Australian 🇦🇺 musician’s 2019 covers album, Return to Center.  “The Homosexual” was originally written and recorded by the Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 musician Momus (Nicholas Currie, b. 1960). Momus’ original preceded Callinan’s cover by 21 years. In an interview with Under The Radar Magazine, Callinan states that this song felt like it was about him.  In a memorable quote, he asserts, “Growing up…I got the shit kicked out of me for being effeminate and fluid…I am largely straight, I’ve had multiple female relationships, and I’ve also been with men.” In the song, the character is often accused or alleged to be homosexual. However, like Callinan sings in the excerpts, he’s enjoying the company of women, particularly the wives whose husbands are alleging he’s gay!

Interestingly, if there weren’t the sensational original by Momus, Callinan’s rendition of “The Homosexual” could be assumed to be the original.  It features a similar musical backdrop but updated with 21^st-century sounds. Still, this updated version retains the charm of the original.  Like Momus, Kirin impresses with expressive but cool, calm, and collected, subtle vocals.  His performance is playful, highlighting the brilliant lyrics. Fittingly, Callinan changes select lyrics to reflect him: “Hell hath no fury like an insecure Australian.” The chorus is the section to beat – the crowning achievement:

“The homosexual, you call me, it’s all the same to me

…Since your tone deafness is called the love of music

I won’t disabuse you, I’ll make love with your women

I’ll make them sing notes of pleasure

That you will never hear, never in a million years

No fear.”

Notably, Callinan avoids the sexual groans that grace the original.  Also, he eliminates the f-bomb that concludes Momus’ version. All told, Kirin J. Callinan superbly covers “The Homosexual”,  respecting the original while also making it his own.

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Kirin J Callinan » Return to Center » Terrible » 2019

Kirin J Callinan, The Homosexual: Covers No. 30 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Terrible; Alan Cordero, Flávia Vicentini from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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