Devils Horn (Twist) / Hitch-Hike (Shake-Twist)

Released in 1963 on the Oriole label, this 45 rpm single features Phil Tate and His Orchestra, a fixture in the British dance band scene. During the early 1960s, Oriole Records served as a crucial outlet for regional recordings and instrumental dance music that sought to capture the burgeoning popularity of dance crazes like the Twist and the Shake, which were rapidly crossing the Atlantic from American pop culture into the UK ballroom circuit.

The record showcases Phil Tate, a bandleader known for his residency at the Hammersmith Palais, who specialized in providing polished, rhythmic arrangements for dancers. The design and production intent were strictly utilitarian, aimed at catering to social dancers and club patrons who required consistent, steady tempos for specific dance styles. Despite the era's shift toward beat-driven rock and roll, this release reflects the enduring influence of the traditional dance orchestra in adapting contemporary trends for the mainstream public.