Graham, that's like saying Any Given Thursday has no value unless you were physically at the show. I think a good tape is just as worthy as an officially released recording, sometimes.
In terms of an earlier show, I really liked 03.14.04 at Brandeis University. Extra clear, best take of In Your Atmosphere before Where The Light Is. All the Hotel Cafe recordings were good too.
And from Battle Studies, I'm still listening to the Camden show from this summer. Great recording, great banter, great setlist. A+