** 1/2 J.J. Cale, “Anyway the Wind...

** 1/2 J.J. Cale, “Anyway the Wind Blows--The Anthology,” Mercury Chronicles. This Oklahoma country-blues veteran has been something of a pop puzzle for nearly a quarter of a century. Adored for his laid-back approach by a wide group of musicians (including Eric Clapton, who had a Top 20 single in 1970 with Cale’s “After Midnight”), he strikes others as rather limited.

You get a glimpse into the debate with this 50-song, two-disc collection. Take any of several tracks, including 1972’s hit “Crazy Mama,” and you’ll think that you are on to something. The problem is that Cale sticks so much to the same, slow musical pace that you’re likely to lose interest. He’s definitely an individualist, but a one-disc package would suffice for most listeners.

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