Are the tops of these disc "shiny" silver?

Not as shiny as the data side, more of a semi-gloss finish. It appears to actually be the backside of the foil data layer. I have had good results with them so far, I have burned about 20 of the 100.

Can these be burned after applying a printed paper label?

The paper label should not have any affect on the ability to record data to the CD-R disc. The label would be the same as a disc with an ink jet printable surface. I have not tried the paper label with these discs, but I have applied paper labels to a number of other brands of CD's prior to actually burning data to the disc without any issues.