1939 Returning/Chicken vs. Macho

"1939 Returning" and "Chicken vs. Macho" are songs by British indie rock band The Crocketts. "1939 Returning" was produced by Charlie Francis, and "Chicken vs. Macho" (which features guest vocalist Mary Hopkin) was produced by Francis with Bird & Bush. The two tracks were featured on the band's 2000 second album The Great Brain Robbery, and released together as its third and final single on 16 October 2000.

Composition
Writer and vocalist Davey MacManus has provided the following explanation of the meaning of "1939 Returning":

We open with the subject of mankind's continual digging of his own grave. We learnt nothing by our mistakes over the centuries. Unless we invent a gene or a virus which makes everyone caring and kind, we are all doomed. The quicker the better says us.

Speaking about "Chicken vs. Macho", he provided the following insight:

I hate people that are threatening. I hate knowing the truth. I want to be surrounded by white lies spoken through the fleshy lips of smiling Swedish women. Mary Hopkin sings on this song. We are very honoured to have her working with us.

Reception
In his unfavourable review of The Great Brain Robbery, Melody Maker writer Daniel Booth identified "1939 Returning" as one of two "white hot-stormers" on the album.

Personnel

 * The Crocketts
 * Davey MacManus ("Davey Crockett") – vocals, guitar; production and mixing on "Happy as a Bastard" and "That's for Sure"
 * Dan Harris ("Dan Boone") – guitar; production and mixing on "Happy as a Bastard" and "That's for Sure"
 * Richard Carter ("Rich Wurzel") – bass; production and mixing on "Happy as a Bastard" and "That's for Sure"
 * Owen Hopkin ("Owen Cash") – drums; production and mixing on "Happy as a Bastard" and "That's for Sure"
 * Guest musicians
 * Mary Hopkin – additional vocals on "Chicken vs. Macho"
 * Additional personnel
 * Charlie Francis – production and mixing on "Happy as a Bastard" and "That's for Sure", production on "1939 Returning" (August 2000 recording), mixing on "Chicken vs. Macho"
 * Bird & Bush – production on "Chicken vs. Macho"
 * Simon Askew – production and mixing on "1939 Returning" (BBC live)
 * George Thomas – production assistance and mixing assistance on "1939 Returning" (BBC live)