Aviation in World War II were struggling to re-equip with similarly modern types and to train up aircrew. Early German successes, with the notable assistance of the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive-bomber, overran Europe and left Britain open to attack. During the ensuing Battle of Britain, the British fighter squadrons had to quickly relearn the old tactical lessons from the first war. Initially the RAF fighters flew in a tight three-fighter arrowhead formation, soon changing to the looser four-aircraft arrangement which the Germans called the "finger-four." They soon also relearned the value of climbing above your opponent before attacking. At the same time, the development
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea on its folk charm, "Aeroplane" is thin-blooded, woolgathering stuff." After completing a tour for "In the Aeroplane", Mangum disappeared from the public eye, tired of performing and explaining his lyrics. His bandmates were keen to capitalize on the album's success, but Mangum was not interested, and declined an offer to open for R.E.M. In the words of "Slate", "At the end of "Aeroplane"'s final song, you can hear Jeff Mangum [...] set down his guitar and walk off, and [...] that's exactly what Mangum did in real life." Subsequent reviews from "Pitchfork" and "Rolling Stone" were more positive; the latter