Q: Move column browser to left side vertically rather than on top horizontally?

I'd like to throw my hat into the pile and say that after performing the latest system update I too am frustrated by the inability to have a list view with the column browser on the left.  Seeing as iTunes 11 comes bundled with the system update this is doubly frustrating.  All of the various columns are narrow and long, so I really don't see how it makes any sense to have the column browser at the top.  The enormous font is also annoying.  I paid extra for a retina screen to see more, not less.  I imagine I speak for many people when I say that after spending top dollar for a computer I'd like to be able to put the column where I want, not where Apple has decided it should go for some poorly considered ode to aesthetics.  Just hope someone at Apple reads this thread . . .

And it would be nice to get the album artwork preview back at the lower left.  Argh.  Having the option to minimize it as per before seemed like a sufficient solution, why would they remove this entirely?!

Agreed 100 percent. We need column browser to the left, like before. This is one of the principle reasons I have chosen iTunes as my default music player.

Please bring the left sidebar feature back, Apple.

Thanks.

Just to add a "Me Too"! Long vertical lists just aren't functional when viewed horizontally! It's impractical, clumsy and very, very annoying!

Just want to add a big +1 to this. Having the column browser at the top is ******** and very, very annoying. Widescreen monitors have more horizontal space so it surely makes sense to put the columns at the side to maximise the available space and so you can use the entire height of the screen to read the list. It’s a complete no brainer!

I'm now constantly having to scroll through long lists using a tiny window at the top of the screen. It's completely nuts!

Seriously who decided it would be a good idea to only let users have the column browser at the top? After the iOS podcasts app debacle and now this I'm getting worried about Apple. This is supposed to be their area of expertise but it looks like someone needs to re-sit User Interface Design 101 !!! 

Created a username just so I could agree with you all. The left-side column is absolutely necessary for anyone with a large library. Bring it back, please.

With screens wider than ever a vertical layout is absolutely necessary. Taking it away is insanely stupid, please return it back!

I agree as well.  I only use a single column (artists) and end up with a large amount of wasted space on my screen when viewing it horizontally.  Let me move it!

This actually worked for me.  I don't like that the artwork is there, or that the font is so big, but it is a close enough approximation to the previous look to work with.  "Hide artwork" would be nice.

I need my left column browser back. There's way too much wasted white-space with artist/album above song/song-info. I would use the 'artist tab' but I don't like the huge artist pictures next to every artist (again, more whitespace).

I agree. Fix this please! Finding songs takes way longer.

I agree.  This is the worst kind of software "update", reminiscent of a certain suite of office applications.

There should be a good reason to mess with tried and true functionality, like the simple side-by-side Miller columns of iTunes 10.  What is the reasoning here?

Having the sidebar relegated to the top is maddening.  I need real estate to manage my library, and the iTunes UX designers seem intent on taking this away or wasting it.

I've never considered this before, but are there iTunes alternatives that people recommend for OS X?

Just adding my comment to join the angry mob.  I can't stand the browser on the top! It makes no sense.