I'll never forget this series of quasi-compliments, which I treasure:
Year 1982, as we came offstage at the Northern California (Marin) Renaissance Faire, owner Phyllis said to me: "I really like you guys. You have -- a creative use of dissonance."
Year 1983, same venue, circumstances, and speaker: "I really like you guys. You are -- right on the edge of bad taste."
Year 1984, same venue, circumstances, and speaker: "I can't figure out what it is I like about you you guys."
(me:) "Could it be our creative use of dissonance?"