Neil Gits An Early Delivery

Nice as it is to have some ‘proper’ summer weather in June, there is a downside when the thermometer pushes 30 degrees. Yes, it’s good for the pubs and restaurants finally getting some busy days in these grim times, full of thirsty, hungry customers imagining they are already on their hols in Greece or Spain, dining al fresco and lapping up the sunshine. However, when did you last get a good night’s sleep recently ? I can’t remember !

It’s a vicious circle. Because you can’t sleep at night, you get tired during the day and can’t function efficiently, then you start nodding off in the evening and either have to go back to bed earlier than normal and still can’t sleep well, or you do get off … and then wake up far too early in the morning ! I’ve got used to being woken before my alarm goes off, due to extra daylight & school run / rush hour traffic and try to make it up with extra ‘snoozes’ but being an “Old Git”, there’s another factor to consider – my bladder ! It needs attention at least every 7 hours, sleep or no sleep !

On one particularly hot night last weekend, I was woken in the middle of a typically unsuccessful attempt at sleeping by ‘the bathroom call’ at the godawful time of 4.43am and whilst almost sleepwalking to the bathroom, I glanced down the stairs and couldn’t believe my eyes. My Sunday morning football newspaper had been delivered ! I know that they have a 9pm Saturday deadline before going to print by 10pm and I am always appreciative of stumbling into the living room around 9am to find my copy waiting for me in the hallway, but even so … 4.43am !!?? I was both shocked and impressed at the same time. I wouldn’t like that guy’s job !

I am really struggling to cope with the constant heat lately and could go on & on moaning & whinging about it like a miserable old sod (that I am !) but I accept that many people love hot weather and live for these brief moments in the British climate. It’s a cliche, but I’ve said it many times before – the music I play on my show sounds even better in the sunshine, it really does ! So get yourself comfy after a long tough Monday and savour your two hours of summer soul, jazz-funk & disco live on air at 7pm … just don’t expect your tired presenter to be his usual ‘super slick’ self !!

The Tunes – Monday 23rd June 2025

Light Of The World – Time
Frantique – Strut Your Funky Stuff
SouLutions – Shine
France Joli – Come To Me
France Joli – Gonna get Over You
Letitia George – Feels So Good
B B & Q Band – Minutes Away
Emotions – A Feeling Is
Jackie McLean – Doctor Jackyll & Mister Funk
War – Galaxy
Whispers – Can You Do The Boogie
Gregory Hines – That Girl Wants To Dance With Me
David A Tobin – Fallin’ In Love
Rock Steady Crew- (Hey You) The Rock Steady Crew
Otis Clay – The Only Way Is Up
Earth Wind & Fire – Let’s Groove
Dave Mascall feat Harry Cambridge – Love Of My Life
Brenda Russell – No Time For Time
Isley Brothers – Summer Breeze
Loose Ends – Just A Minute
Midnite – Paradise Drive
Candi Staton – Suspicious Minds

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” !