Neil Gits The Essentials

These are tough times for all of us living in the real world and we are all having to make cutbacks to save money and survive. My carefully thought out retirement plan is clearly coming up a little short, so as one of a number of measures to make my funds last as long as possible, I’ve been scrutinizing my food shopping. This, along with other minor tweaks to my life, will hopefully ensure I can hang on in there without having to find any paid work again – perish the thought !!

When I first moved into my own house 35 years ago, doing my own weekly shop at the local Asda, I was on a different planet ! I didn’t have a budget, I just pushed my trolley round and filled it with goodies then pulled out a wad of bank notes at the till and drove home to stack up the fridge and the cupboard, before filling my face with all sorts of treats at meal times. I noticed that there was a range of products marked “Smart Price” , just like the regular priced items but a bit more basic and obviously cheaper. I recall trying one or two of these out of curiosity and usually they were pretty ropey ! I remember thinking “God help me if I ever get in a situation where I have to buy this rubbish!” I think that day has arrived …

Asda’s value range of groceries (and other household items) is now called “Essentials” and my kitchen has plenty of its distinctive yellow labels in it. Whether my tastes have changed over the years or the quality of low price food has increased, who knows, but a budget I now most certainly have – and quite a low one ! If you are in a similar position but can’t quite bring yourself to try the bargain shelves at your local supermarket, be bold and give them a go, you might be surprised – or you might be sick !! It’s horses for courses, as needs must, and keeping the finances straight is essential …

There’s no cutting corners on the quality of the music on the show these days, there’s another superb two hours worth of soul, jazz-funk & disco on the way this week. I thought last Monday’s show was particularly enjoyable – have a look at the playlist and check it out online at “Listen Again” …

The Tunes – Monday 28th July 2025

Change – Lovers Holiday
Charles Earland – Coming To You Live
Julian Jonah ft Marva King – Better Make Room For Love
Gibson Brothers – Come To America
Gibson Brothers – Non Stop Dance
Windy Karigianes – A Thousand Miles Away
Teddy Pendergrass – 2 AM
Kuh – Dreaming
New York City band ft Luther Vandross – Got To Have Your Body
D Train – You’re The One For Me
Trussel – Love Injection
Dexter Wansel – Theme From The Planets
Isley Brothers – If You Were Here
Hi Tension – Autumn Love
Ramsey Lewis – Spring High
McCrarys – Love On A Summer Night
Wez – There’s No Better Love (Big People Mix)
Four Tops – I Believe In You & Me
Phyllis Hyman – Give A Little More
Dave & Maurissa – Just A Matter Of Time
James Brown – Stone To The Bone
Crusaders – Street Life

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is broadcast LIVE from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm, on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock, across South Essex on DAB and available nationally via the Radio Player on your TV as well as online via www.gateway978.com You can listen on your smart speaker or your phone too … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – just search “Cool Soul” !