I know, for real. I played them in this order: DKC3, then DKC2, then DKC. My conclusion: DKC2 is tops, DKC3 is a close second, and DKC feels a full generation removed -- super-simplified with almost no verticality and heaps of wonky hit detection. Still a better platformer than most, but DKC is a poor man's DKC2 and DKC3.
And speaking of DKC3, it's AWESOME. Gorgeous overworld map you can freely explore with various vehicles like the motorboat, hovercraft, turbo skis, gyrocopter, etc. Wrinkly Kong wears workout clothes and plays Super Mario 64 in her cave. Cranky challenges you to carnival games where you throw balls at targets, over the shoulder like a TPS. The setting -- The Northern Kremisphere -- is inspired by freaking Canada, with lumberjack mills and pine trees and quicksilver lakes reflecting snow-capped mountains. Just a fantastic world to romp around in. And then there are the Banana Birds, and the Brothers Bear, and creepy bosses like the giant bouncing spider, and the belching barrel, and the evil snowman. Such a great game.