This piece is a richly-textured work, a lyrical ode to humankind's fascination with nature. The story of a man's obsession to find a species of bird that may or may not exist contains great insight into the human condition, specifically the imperative to explore, and in so doing, learn about oneself. Technically, the sounds transport listeners into a remote, isolated world. There is one recurring sound in particular that in part defines the sonic quality of this piece...a subtle heartbeat-like pulse that unlike in some radio pieces is not contrived. It's a magnetic thread running through the piece. This is also an immensely entertaining work as the story's principal subject is engaging and humorous. The producer's writing is both sparse and full of vivid imagery that complements the tape.

"Grey Ghost" reminds me why all those old "what public radio is good at" cliches were coined in the first place. It takes you to a place you've never been, to learn about something you might not think would interest you at first, but ends up fascinating you. It is 100% tape - just the voices of the people whom the story's about - voices you probably wouldn't hear otherwise. It's exotic, arresting, engrossing, maddening, dream-like and gorgeous. It is also so meticulously and creatively edited that the producer completely disappears. The program seems to just unfold organically, relentlessly even, as if of its own volition.

At bottom, though, what really counts is that "Grey Ghost" is just a damn good yarn, the audio version of a page turner in which an obsession becomes its own brand of religion.