I run a double height taskbar at work, and I’ve been looking for a way to control iTunes from the taskbar. By chance I found the following – may be common knowledge but it’s new to me.

1. Right click your taskbar.
2. Select Toolbars > iTunes.
3. Start iTunes and minimise it.

Note: You need to make sure that iTunes isn’t set to minimize(sic) to your system tray. Check the Edit > Preferences > Advanced Tab.

Should look a bit like this:

Excellent.