Alien

Musician, artist, anti-smoker, ecological gadfly here is Mendelson Joes story, in his own outrageous word. He believes that speaking out can make a difference, that women are the only hope for the future, and that theres truth in a good blues song. He doesnt believe in God, compromise, or schmaltz. Meet Mendelson Joe: musician, artist, activist, and avid writer of letters to Canadian politicians and editors. Alien brings together some of the best of Joes artwork, along with extensive interviews with the man and the people who know him. Joe holds forth on the things that fascinate him: the female body, motorcycles, rabbits, nature, art, and music. He tells of touring the world with his blues-rock band Mendelson McKenna Mainline in the early 70s, sharing concert stages with burlesque strippers, and discovering a passion for art after rescuing a set of acrylic paints from a garbage can. He also talks about the things that make him angry: the stupidity of humans, who piss where they drink, destroying the environment through greed and carelessness, the treatment of women by men, racism. And Joes friends and colleagues talk about knowing this funny, talented, and deeply principled guy whos never afraid to speak his mind.