Watch We Dreamed America

We Dreamed America is a compelling musical documentary from 2008 that explores the shared history and cultural connections between the United States and the United Kingdom. The film features interviews with musicians and artists from both sides of the Atlantic, including Alabama 3, The Barker Band, Paul Barrere, and The Broken Family Band, as they discuss the impact of American music on British culture and the ways in which they have drawn inspiration from it.

The documentary begins with an examination of the roots of American music, including blues, country, and rock and roll, and the ways in which these genres have influenced British musicians over the past century. Through interviews with prominent figures such as Grateful Dead guitarist Paul Barrere and Alabama 3 frontman Larry Love, the film explores the impact of artists such as John Lee Hooker, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley on British musicians.

As the documentary progresses, it focuses on the ways in which American music and culture have continued to influence British artists in the contemporary era. The film features performances by bands such as The Barker Band and The Broken Family Band, as well as interviews with musicians and producers who have made a significant impact on the British music scene, including Paul Butler of The Bees and producer Adrian Utley.

One of the key themes of We Dreamed America is the relationship between American music and British identity. Many of the musicians featured in the film discuss the ways in which they have used American music as a way to connect with their own cultural heritage and explore their own identities as British citizens. For example, Alabama 3's Larry Love talks about the group's interest in blues music as a way to connect with their own history as working-class Londoners.

In addition to its exploration of music and culture, We Dreamed America also touches on broader social and political issues. The film features interviews with activists and commentators who discuss issues such as the Iraq War, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and the ways in which American culture has been conflated with American foreign policy.

Overall, We Dreamed America is a fascinating documentary that provides a unique perspective on the relationship between American and British culture. Through its exploration of music, politics, and identity, the film illuminates the ways in which these two countries have influenced one another over the course of the 20th century and into the present day. Whether you are a fan of American music, British culture, or both, this documentary offers a thought-provoking and entertaining insight into the shared history of these two nations.

We Dreamed America is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.