Sea Sew

"Sea Sew," Lisa Hannigan's debut studio album, was released in Ireland on September 12, 2008, with the lead single "Lille" available as a free download on her website on August 25. The album received critical acclaim, earning praise from international media and being nominated for awards like the Mercury Music Prize and Choice Music Prize. Its success led to significant radio airplay in Ireland and the U.S., where it was released under ATO Records on February 3, 2009.

The album's title reflects its numerous sea-related themes. Recorded over two weeks in a cold barn in rural Ireland with producer Jason Boshoff, "Sea Sew" features contributions from various musicians, including Donagh Malloy, Tom Osander, and Lucy Wilkins. The artwork, knitted by Hannigan and her mother, was humorously discussed during her appearance on *The Colbert Report*.

In the UK, where it entered the chart at number 58, "Sea Sew" received favorable reviews, notably from *The Daily Telegraph*, which described it as "wonderfully creaky and raw." The album's success also led to Hannigan receiving tax-free status in Ireland.