iTunes 12.1 gets a Notification Center widget
According to Apple's release notes, the 12.1 update also improves sync performance with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
While the new Notification Center widget is pretty slick, we found it to be a bit of a disappointment, too. If offers controls only for the currently playing song, so you'll still have to make a trip into iTunes if you want to pick a different play list or iTunes Radio station.
iTunes is included with OS X, and the update is free through Apple's Mac App Store.