A Story Of Light

The ability is see is fundamental to our very existence. How true our perceptions really are depends upon many factors, and not least is our understanding of what light is and how it interacts with matter. It was said that the camera, the icon of light recording instruments, never lies, and in the day of the glass plate and celluloid roll-film this might well have been true. But in this modern era, with electronic cameras and computer software, it is often safe to assume that the camera always lies. The advertising images that bombard our every waking moment are manipulated in shape, profile, color, and form. In this new era, light can be manipulated with metamaterials to make one object look like another or even cause that objects to vanish, literally before our eyes; not only can the image we see be manipulated, but so can the light itself.

To succeed in business and in life, you must be focused and committed. But it also takes serendipity and a certain amount of alchemy.

The Story of Light (full title from booklet is, The Story of Light "Real Illusions: …of a…") is the eighth studio album by American guitarist and songwriter, Steve Vai, which was released on August 14, 2012 on Favored Nations. This is Vai's first full-length studio album since 2005's "Real Illusions: Reflections". On May 23, 2012, the album was made available for pre-order through Vai's official website with an instant download of "Gravity Storm". The track "John the Revelator" contains a sample of Blind Willie Johnson's "John the Revelator". "The Moon and I" was initially released as a VaiTunes digital only single in 2010. However, due to the personal nature of the song, Steve decided to remix the song and include it on the album. The album debuted on Billboard 200 at No. 78.