Bramble Blast is offset by the fact that it's visuals and background music are stunning, plus, much like the aforementioned combo system that DKJB had, the barrel blasting is also deep and tricky to master. Besides, that level is a cakewalk compared to what comes later. I will agree that the beehive levels were annoying, but what other games of the era had beehive levels at all? It's an unexplored archetype and the concepts behind were pretty dang creative, I should say.
As for DKJB control scheme, holding a controller by the grips and pressing buttons is one thing, but holding a drum between your legs and beating it is another. Also, if DKC's atmosphere isn't "Donkey Kong" to you, what is? There was hardly an established setting for the character prior to Rare's involvement outside of "city" and "jungle". Using those two for an entire platformer adventure would get pretty dull. Rare outdid themselves in creating an entire universe for DK to live in, much like what Miyamoto and his team did for Zelda and Mario.