Momus vs. Kirin J Callinan | Head 2 Head

In the 34^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Momus and Kirin J Callinan contend for the best rendition of “The Homosexual.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 34^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Momus and Kirin J Callinan contend for the best rendition of “The Homosexual”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

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1. Momus, “The Homosexual” 2. Kirin J Callinan, “The Homosexual” The Verdict 👨🏾‍⚖️

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1. Momus, “The Homosexual”

Tender Pervert »

Cherry Red »

1988

 

“Ilove women, but I’m thinking of giving in / I love women, but what’s the point of arguing.” If you love women, then love women.  Why should you change? Scottish musician Momus (Nicholas Currie, b. 1960) continues singing on his classic song, “The Homosexual,” “[What’s the point of arguing] with the men from boarding schools and building sites / Who’ve told me I’m a homosexual all my life.” Sometimes, men who are viewed as more effeminate are wrongly labeled as gay.  That is the case with this song, which is about a purported homosexual in others’ eyes. “The Homosexual” is the fourth track from his 1988 album, Tender Pervert. Jam-packed, it runs under five minutes long.

Pausing from the lyrics and songwriting momentarily, the instrumental that fuels “The Homosexual” fire must be acknowledged.  The track is groovy thanks to its boxy drum programming that is quintessentially ‘80s. Also contributing to the colorful accompaniment are keys, guitar, and sound effects.  Momus’ vocals are cool, easygoing, and modest, despite these ridiculous homosexual allegations made to the character he portrays. His melodies are tuneful, despite his subtle performance. The clever and intriguing lyrics stand out, particularly as he sings about straight experiences. “I love women, but I take them by surprise / Pretending absolute indifference to their breasts and thighs,” he sings, and adds, “I recall the words my first girlfriend ended our first date with / ‘I feel privileged you chose me to go straight with’.” Ooh-wee.  Adding to the intriguing nature of the song are the female orgasmic sounds.  This purported homosexual was getting busy… with women! The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“‘That homosexual’, you called me, it’s all the same to me

That specter you projected, I will now pretend to be

Since your neurosis is what passes from normality

It’s okay with me if I’m queer

Since your tone-deafness is called the love of music

I won’t disabuse you

I’ll make love with your woman

I’ll make her sing notes of pleasure

That you will never hear, never in a million years

No fucking fear.”

D-d-damn! Interestingly, “The Homosexual” is based on a true story 👀. Ultimately, this song is nothing short of a vibe.

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2. Kirin J Callinan, “The Homosexual” 

Return to Center »

Terrible »

2019

 

“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 Momus. 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. 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.

Appears in:

Kirin J Callinan, The Homosexual: Covers No. 30 (2025)

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who performed “The Homosexual” the best? Was it the original, late ‘80s gem by Momus or the fabulous Kirin J Callinan from 2019?  In this case, you can’t go wrong with either version. The original is magical, with its clever, poetic, and thought-provoking lyrics. Momus’ pen, as well as his delivery of composition, deserves a lot of credit.  While Kirin didn’t write or record the song first, “The Homosexual” indeed feels right in his hands, further amplified by a must-see music video.  So, when it comes to the case of “The Homosexual,” it’s a TIE!

🏅 Winner: Momus and Kirin J Callinan

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Momus vs. Kirin J Callinan: Head 2 Head No. 34 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Cherry Red, Terrible; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

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