Actually, if you're doing the sides/top in black, then I would do the front/back in black as well. Using veneered sides with a black front looks good, but I'm not so sure black top/sides with veneer front will look very good at all. I've never seen it done... probably for good reason... And I can't imagine it looking very good.If you want something simpler and easier to do than paint, and a black finish is your main goal, try something like this...
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-010
It's fairly easy to use, and just has a sticky back and you put it on. Cut edges with a box cutter. Fairly easy to apply, although for the best finish you want to sand the box nice and smooth (no edges or bumps) and make sure to smooth out air bubbles when applying. Adding some extra spray glue (mainly on edges) will also help keep it stuck. Probably going to be a lot easier than painting, unless your goal specifically is some kind of super glossy finish.
Adam